Oceanside Pregame Prayer
As a football coach I have seen my share of athletic pregame prayer. It’s usually performed at that most pregame quiet time when an athlete is fully suited up, alone with themselves and ready to leave the locker room. It’s that non-public part of pregame when reflection is taking place and the properly prepared athlete is quiet in their minds and getting ready to compete against the opponent of the day. It’s that team’s emotional time when all the work and preparation for the week comes together in one pregame salute to the heavens.
Many times athletic performance is compared to war. We all know that this is not factual but in war prayers are often said. A common saying in the military is, “there are no atheists in foxholes.” This means when you are in the heat of battle whether you believe or not it is common to look into the heavens and ask God for his protection and saving grace.
In today’s world where we are taking the word “God” out of every public thing we see I always respect when coaches gather up theirs team and privately disclose to their athletes that there is a spirit much bigger than us, a spirit that can guide, lead, bond and protect.
Athletic competition prayers should never be about rah-rah or a desperate plea for a big win! Honestly, all of that preparation should have been done the months, weeks and days before. A properly prepared team should not need to pray for a win.
The athlete pregame prayer should instead be about no turning back, I will not give up, my drive comes from you. Help me to respect and honor my teammate, coaches and opponents. I am your warrior in the heat of battle and humble and gracious in defeat. My goal is to please you and glorify you. I compete to bring God glory!
Earlier this month I had a friend to our mission say a pregame competition prayer. I was honored to receive a copy and I share this with you! Here is a perfect example of a pregame prayer… Coach Soto