Table of Contents
Athlete's Prayer
God, let me play well but fairly, help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Always let me help my opponent up. Never catch me rejoicing in the adversity of others. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games. If through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one.
- Author Unknown
Pre-Game Opening Prayer
Father in Heaven, we ask your blessing on the game we are about to play. Give each one of us the courage to play this game in a manner which by our words and our actions is pleasing to you. Let us enter into this competition in a spirit of sportsmanship and with a respect for the members of the opposing team. We ask You, Father to bless each one of us, especially the coaches, officials, parents and players. Keep us under the protection of your son, Jesus Christ, and help us be aware of his presence with us in this game,
Amen.
- Author Unknown
A Prayer For Success As A Crossfit Athlete
Lord I ask for your guidance as I step into these games, whether running, lifting or climbing. Grant me strength, flexibility, skill and determination to succeed. May I honor you in every bout and remain humble in victory. Protect me from injury and keep me focused on the path You have set for me in Jesus' Name. Amen.
A Prayer for Those Involved in Sports
O God, you gave us bodies—as well as minds and hearts—with which to praise and worship you. Our sports and exercises are a fitting use of gifts and talents you have given us. Bless our workouts and the games we play, and those with whom we exercise or compete. Give us strength, endurance, courage and agility as we compete or train. Keep us safe and healthy as we celebrate our physical and mental skills in sport.
- Author Unknown
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Prayer for Success As An Amateur Wrestler
Lord, I ask for your guidance as I step onto the mat. Grant me skill, strength, and resilience to compete.May I honor you in every match and remain humble in victory. Protect me from injury and keep me focused on the path You have set for me, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Prayer of the Sportsman
Dear Lord, in the battle that goes on through life, I ask but a field that is fair, a chance that is equal with all in the strife, the courage to strive and to dare. If I should win, let it be by the code, with my faith and my honor held high. If I should lose, let me stand by the road and cheer as the winners go by.
- Author Unknown
Scriptures For Athletes (Powerful and Inspiring)
Prayer of Competition
Dear Father, may we compete with Your heart shining through ours. May we push ourselves to be what You tell us we can be. May we have kindness in our hearts, mindfulness in our souls, and endurance to finish. Keep us and our competitors safe from harm, and let our actions be a testament to your glory,
Amen.
- Author Unknown
Prayer for A Basketball Player
Dear God,
We ask for your guidance and protection for this basketball player. May they excel in both their sport and their faith in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Prayer for A Weightlifter
Dear God, I ask for the strength and perseverance to lift heavy weights. May I rely on you for power and give my best in competition. Grant me skill, resilience and focus and help me maintain humility and honor You in all I do. Protect me from injury and keep me steady in my training. Help me lift for Your glory and honor You in every effort in Jesus' Name. Amen
Also Visit our Bible Verses for athletes and sportsmen here
We hope that you've been blessed by the prayers that we've shared. I leave you now with the words of the Church fathers on the benefits of athletics.
Church Fathers on the Benefit of Athletics
| Church Father & Reference | Quotation / Teaching | Spiritual or Moral Application |
|---|---|---|
| St. Paul the Apostle 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 | “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it… I discipline my body and keep it under control.” | The body’s discipline in athletic training mirrors the soul’s training in virtue and holiness. |
| Clement of Alexandria Paedagogus, Book III | “The gymnasium trains the body, but piety trains the soul unto godliness. Yet both are good when the body serves the soul.” | Bodily training is commendable when it supports spiritual growth and self-control. |
| St. John Chrysostom Homilies on 1 Corinthians 23.4 | “The athlete endures all things to receive a corruptible crown; how much more should we for an incorruptible one!” | Endurance and struggle in sport are a model for perseverance in faith. |
| St. Basil the Great Homily on Psalm 33 | “The contests of athletes teach us how to strive for virtue — not with ease, but with endurance and sweat.” | Physical exertion in sports symbolizes the spiritual labor of righteousness. |
| Tertullian De Spectaculis, Ch. 29 | “The Christian too has his contests; his crown is eternal, not of fading leaves.” | Athletics serve as imagery for spiritual struggle and heavenly reward. |
| St. Gregory of Nyssa On Virginity, Ch. 20 | “As in the games, victory is not by beauty but by effort; so too in virtue, reward is by toil.” | Athletic competition shows that moral progress requires disciplined effort. |
| Origen Commentary on Romans 10:17 | “We must run, strive, and wrestle… for the athlete is crowned only after lawful struggle.” | The athletic life illustrates the lawfulness and perseverance needed in spiritual combat. |
| St. Cyprian of Carthage Epistle 10 | “The combat of faith is greater than the contests of the arena; but both require courage and endurance.” | Parallels Christian martyrdom and athletic bravery; endurance as divine training. |
| St. Ambrose of Milan Exposition of Luke 5 | “Even athletes abstain that they may be crowned; how much more must we abstain for eternal life.” | Athletic abstinence is a model for Christian temperance. |
| St. Augustine of Hippo Sermon 151 | “The gymnasium of the soul is the discipline of the heart… run that you may win Christ.” | The body’s discipline mirrors the soul’s sanctification through effort and grace. |
| St. Ephrem the Syrian Hymns on the Nativity 20 | “Blessed is the athlete who contends lawfully; his limbs weary, but his heart rejoices.” | Athletic imagery celebrates perseverance and joy through righteous effort. |
| Theodoret of Cyrus Interpretation on 1 Corinthians 9 | “The athlete’s striving is not condemned but commended — for God Himself crowns the lawful competitor.” | Endurance and obedience in contest are honored in both sport and faith. |
