Prayer Before A New Sports Season

Can you feel the chill in the air? Can you smell the chili cooking on the stove and see the leaves showing off their gold, cinnamon, copper and amber?

I know, I know- it’s still blazing hot outside, I’m still getting cremated on the sidelines of pee-wee football practice, and all I can smell is the half-gallon of sunscreen I have to bathe in not to shrivel up like a leather bag.

And yet- we know it’s coming. We all do. There’s a glorious knowing- Fall is just around the corner!

And with it, A NEW SPORTS SEASON!

For all the parents signing up for snack rotation, for all the moms falling to their knees bedside to intercede for their son’s first year of tackle, for all the caregivers carting the dancers to the 80th choreography practice- this prayer is for all of us to keep our eyes on what really matters this season:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for this new sports [dance, band, twirling ;) ] season.

Thank you for a child who is healthy and vibrant enough to participate. Thank you for the provision and margin that allow us to partake.

Thank you for the joy of seeing them engage in something they love so much.

This season, I pray You’d protect my child in body, mind, soul, and spirit.

As this new season begins, I pray You’d give our entire family a bigger view of how You might be working.

As a parent, help me to remember these days are fleeting. While the scheduling and details are a lot to carry, help me to savor this privilege.

Help me to be patient, kind, and encouraging of my child in every circumstance, whether they win, lose, show up, fall short, or lose interest. Help me to remember the bigger picture.

Despite their athletic future, I’m helping disciple them- shaping their view of so many things that are infinitely bigger than the field: their view of God, their view of parenting, their view of hard work, their view of success, and their own inner voice.

I pray that in every moment, I reflect You well, Father, and point them toward things that will never fade away.

For my athlete, form them this season. Not just in their skills, though I pray for that for them too). Rather, form them in perseverance, character, sportsmanship, and kindness. Send them godly teammates and help them to be one.

Send them godly coaches and mentors, and in seasons those are lacking- fill that void for them with other godly leaders.

This season, I pray to see a marked difference in my child because of our commitment. Not just on the field, but off the field.

For my entire family, may this sport never become our god. May it simply be another way to enjoy You and glorify Your name. Always keep it in its proper place.

Lastly, keep us mindful of every person You place around us this season: the coaches, the players, fellow fans, and even opponents.

We pray, most of all, that the field would be a mission field for You.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.