What is a good prayer to say before a sports game?

Before a sports game, many athletes and teams seek to center themselves with a moment of prayer. This practice is not just about asking for victory, but more importantly, it’s about inviting God’s presence into the activity, seeking His protection, and aligning our hearts with His will. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I believe that prayer is a powerful way to prepare for any activity, including sports, and it helps to remind us of our dependence on God in all things.

When considering a good prayer to say before a sports game, it’s important to keep in mind the elements that should be included: gratitude, humility, a request for protection, a desire for good sportsmanship, and a reminder of our ultimate purpose to glorify God in all we do. Here is an example of a prayer that encompasses these elements:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the opportunity to play this game. Thank You for the gift of health, strength, and the ability to compete. We recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from You (James 1:17), and we do not take these blessings for granted.

Lord, we ask for Your protection over each and every player, coach, and spectator. Keep us safe from injury and harm. Your Word tells us that You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We trust in Your protection and care.

Father, give us the grace to play with integrity and sportsmanship. Help us to respect our opponents and to remember that they, too, are made in Your image (Genesis 1:27). May our actions on the field reflect Your love and character. Teach us to compete in a way that honors You, putting others before ourselves and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

We also pray for the right mindset as we play. Help us to stay focused, disciplined, and to give our best effort. Remind us that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). Whether we win or lose, may we do so with grace, knowing that our identity is found in You and not in the outcome of this game.

Lord, we ask that You would use this game to bring glory to Your name. Let our actions and attitudes be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. May those who watch us play see something different in us—a reflection of Your love and grace. We pray that through our conduct, others might be drawn closer to You.

In Jesus' name, we pray,

Amen.

This prayer serves as a model, but it can and should be personalized to fit the specific context and needs of the team or individual praying. The key is to approach God with a heart of humility and dependence, recognizing that while sports are important, they are ultimately a platform to honor Him.

In addition to the prayer itself, it’s beneficial to reflect on the broader biblical principles that underpin our approach to sports and competition. The Apostle Paul often used athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, emphasizing discipline, perseverance, and the ultimate goal of glorifying God.

For instance, in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

This passage reminds us that while the immediate goal in sports might be to win, the ultimate goal is to live in a way that honors God and points others to Him. The discipline and effort we put into sports can be a reflection of the discipline and effort we put into our spiritual lives.

Furthermore, the concept of teamwork and unity is deeply rooted in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks about the body of Christ and how each member has a unique role to play. This can be applied to a sports team as well, where each player has a unique role and contribution. Working together in unity, valuing each other's strengths, and supporting one another reflects the biblical principle of community and interdependence.

As you prepare for a sports game, consider also the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). Taking a moment to pray before a game is a way to follow His example, seeking God’s guidance and presence in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, a good prayer before a sports game is one that acknowledges God’s sovereignty, seeks His protection, asks for the grace to play with integrity and sportsmanship, and ultimately desires to glorify Him. By centering our hearts on these truths, we can approach the game with the right mindset and perspective, knowing that our identity and worth are found in Christ alone.