Tag: sports

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Keep Sports in Their Proper Place

Dear Lord,
The world has never had so many different ways for fans to engage in sports. Whereas watching a game or competition in person was historically the only option, today one can hardly keep track of all of the possibilities. We can watch on our televisions, stream from our devices, manage fantasy teams, follow favorite athletes on social media, and even place bets on games. There is also the huge role that active participation in sports often plays among youth and in families. The possible entertainment value that sports offer today has skyrocketed and is higher than ever. 

Because we can so easily become consumed with anything in excess, I pray that you help me to guide and guard my heart from an unhealthy relationship with sports. Kept in their proper place, they can be an enjoyable activity to watch or participate in. But sports can also become an idol, capturing our heart, with our time, energy, money, and priorities to follow. Let me always be in control when it comes to my appreciation of and involvement in sports, so that they would never subtly or overly replace you in my heart. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For the Gift of Competition

Victorious Lord,
While each and every one of us is uniquely and wonderfully made, we also appreciate certain generalizations that appear to apply to each sex. The blessing of competition, for example, is certainly enjoyed by women as well, but generally to a different degree than men. We tend to be sports fanatics, not only going overboard at times in cheering for our teams, but also in our parenting when we push our children too hard athletically or even academically or artistically. When we lose control as fans or when we allow our children’s sports or extracurriculars to shape our schedules, we’ve taken the gift of competition too far. When we must win at all costs, we have crossed the line. Forgive us.

But under control, competition can certainly enrich our lives. Even little things, like turning daily and menial tasks into our own personal competitions, can keep us interested and engaged. The desire to win in competition often leads to self-improvement and better physical health. Those who excel at the highest levels of competition can inspire us as we appreciate their drive and dedication to be the best. Help me to show my appreciation and gratitude for the gift of competition in how I approach and manage it at every level, whether as a participant or a spectator. In all respects, let competition be for me yet another way to honor you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For a Healthy Appreciation of Sports

Gracious God,
There are so many good things you give us in life that provide added and undeserved joys. Included among those good things is the gift of sports. Being able to be engaged in competition as either a participant or a spectator can be a uniquely exhilarating experience. Cheering on and supporting our favorite team(s), whether we’re celebrating championships, lamenting down seasons, or stirring up rivalries, are all ways we bond together with others, too.

As with so many of your good gifts, they can be taken too far. Keep sports from taking an idolatrous shape in my heart and creeping into that spot of my first and greatest love. Help me to enjoy them in moderation, and not get too emotionally attached to wins or losses. Let me be willing to see the necessary situations in which I need to make sacrifices regarding my love of sports in order to give attention to more important matters. Permit healthy boundaries to exist so that sports are allowed their place without encroaching or overshadowing other areas of life. Let them remain a source of joy rather than something that robs joy from other areas of life.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.