DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

For Those Who Coach

Dear God,
Since you have created each of us with such unique skills and interests, not everyone gravitates toward playing sports. But for those who do, or who have children who do, we thank you for individuals who give their time to the demands of coaching. Solid coaches can leave a significant impact on their players long after their competitive days are over. They teach discipline, hard work, and respect. They model patience with teammates who are struggling, players who are challenging to manage, and parents who are abrasive or out of line. Coaches who find joy in fostering positive teamwork teach a valuable life lesson for their players. Winning can provide a teachable moment for humility, and a loss opens the door for teams to learn to lose with grace. Thank you for the dedication and sacrifice of coaches to enrich the lives of many. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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.