This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission from purchased products at no additional cost to you.
Say these athletes’ prayers if you play sports or if you are a parent of an athlete and you want to honor God with your skill, focus, and energy.
As an athlete, many often see the performance on the court but not many remember the discipline, endurance, mental focus, and training that goes on behind the scenes.
Whether you are preparing for a competition, or game day has arrived, these athletes’ prayers are a great way to ask God for the strength and focus you need to do your best in your chosen sport.
Since God has given us our abilities, who better to ask for support, and guidance as you train for a competition, and prepare to step into the game?
May these athletes’ prayers inspire you, and encourage you in your efforts, whether you are the one playing the sport or you are an athlete’s parent or friend.
Athletes’ Prayers
1. A General Prayer For Athletes
Dear God,
Thank You for this day, and the opportunity to play this game that I so love, and have worked hard for. As I prepare myself mentally for today’s game, my prayer is that my actions on and off of the game will be glorifying to You and edifying to others.
Help me to give my best, and to be a good sport. Please grant me clarity of mind, the strength that I need, and the speed that is required.
I ask for Your protection, not only for myself but for all those who will be participating in the game today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Prayer To Improve During Practices
Lord in Heaven,
I am so grateful for the gift of sport that You have blessed us with. Thank You for the opportunity to do something that challenges me, yet is also so rewarding and fulfilling.
Though game days are wonderful, it is the days in between that really make the difference in how I perform. My prayer is that You would help me grow, and see improvement during practices.
Help me to be disciplined and not cut any corners when it comes to my training. Grant me the energy to see each practice through as best as I can, and give me a good attitude towards it. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer To Prepare For A Sports Competition
Father,
As I prepare for this competition, help me to be diligent in my training and preparations. If there is anything that I am having a hard time with, grant me patience with myself, and the ability to work through it.
Please prepare my heart, just as much as this sport focuses on the physical. Help me to have a good attitude during the competition, and win or lose with grace.
Help me to remember to enjoy the game as much as it is competitive. May I always be learning and growing, no matter the outcome. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. A Pre-Game Prayer
Lord,
We are so close to setting foot onto the field. We have prepared long and hard for this game, and we know that all of our efforts have been for this moment.
We ask that Your hand be over us, as we play. May we be free from injuries, and be fair in all we do. Help us to remove any distractions from our minds, and be present.
Help us to conduct ourselves with honor and humility, and to set a good example for others. May they see Christ in us, and may He be glorified through how we play. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Game Day Prayer
Dear Lord,
It is game day, and I am filled with both excitement and nerves for what lies ahead. As the game draws closer, my prayer is that You would settle my heart, and help me to feel at peace.
Please help me to put into play all that I have practiced, and the things that I have learned during training. Grant me the strength to perform at my best today.
Help me to rely on You throughout the game, and to remember that I represent You, on and off the field, in word and in deed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. A Prayer For Parents Of The Athlete
God,
I am grateful and proud to have the opportunity to support my children in the sports that they love and are passionate about. Thank You for the gifts that You have given them, and Your grace that carries them.
As a parent, I ask for Your help in how to best guide my children, and teach them values that are not only helpful off the field but when they are competing too.
Please grant them the courage for their game, and keep them safe from any harm or injuries. No matter the outcome, may they enjoy themselves and give their best effort. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. An Athlete’s Prayer For Basketball
Father,
Thank You for this wonderful sport that I get to be a part of. As I prepare for the upcoming game, I ask for discipline to attend practice, determination to challenge myself, and a heart posture that glorifies You.
Even before I step foot on the court, may my heart and mind be cleared from distractions. Help me to be a team player and to be as helpful to my teammates as possible.
Please keep the team safe from any physical harm or injury, and help us to prepare ourselves in a way that will set us up to do our best. In Jesus’ name, amen.
8. An Athlete’s Prayer For Soccer
Lord,
Thank You for the opportunity to play soccer, and to be a part of a wonderful team. As we prepare for our games, I ask that You fill each of us with energy, and help us to persevere to the end.
Please help each of us play our part, and be the best that we can be in each of our respective positions. Help us to improve our teamwork and our communication.
Whether we win or lose, help us to do it with grace. Please keep our health in good shape, and protect us from any injuries on or off the field. In Jesus’ name, amen.
9. An Athlete’s Prayer For Tennis
Dear God,
Thank You for a new day, and for the privilege of playing a sport that I enjoy so much. As I practice and prepare for my competition, I ask for discipline and growth in my training.
When it is my time to serve, help me to do so steadily and remove any nerves from me. Grant me the speed that I need, and the strength required.
Help me to be respectful on the court, and to be level-headed. In Jesus’ name, amen.
10. An Athlete’s Prayer For Volleyball
Lord,
As the time for my volleyball game draws near, I ask for clarity of mind, and for my head to be focused on the game. Please keep me from being distracted, and help me to put into practice what I have learned.
Please help me to be an example on the court, and to be gracious in my attitude towards others, yet strong in my ability and skill. Grant me endurance for the game.
Help us to play as a team, and to remember that we cannot win by ourselves, but need one another. May our hearts be filled with joy as we get to play together, regardless of the outcome. In Jesus’ name, amen.
11. An Athlete’s Prayer For Cricket
Father,
As we get ready for the cricket game today, I just want to take a moment to thank You for Your grace. Thank You for blessing me with this sport, and granting me the abilities to play it.
May today be filled with clear skies, and an atmosphere that is encouraging and energizing. Please help me to set aside any thoughts that are not of You, and help me to rely on Your strength.
Please help us to score quick runs, and to be sharp and focused throughout the game. Help us to have sportsmanship, and to treat one another and our opponents with respect. In Jesus’ name, amen.
12. An Athlete’s Prayer For Football
God,
Thank You for this team who I get to step onto the field with. We have had good games and not so great games together, yet all of them prepare us for our next game and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Please help us to be unified as we practice, and as we play. May our team work together as best as we can, and play the roles that we have been given well.
Help us be respectful and humble competitors, and to play fairly and with integrity. May we be united, win or lose, and always improve for the next game. In Jesus’ name, amen.
13. An Athlete’s Prayer For Golf
Lord,
Thank You for all Your blessings. Today I am especially grateful for the gift that golf has been to me, and the opportunity to be a part of this sport.
My prayer is that You be with me throughout today’s outing. Help me to remain focused and to have a clear mind, and vision as I play.
May every shot be done with purpose and precision. Help my drives to be straight, and all my hits to be great. In Jesus’ name, amen.
More Prayers You Might Like:
5 Prayers for Physical Strength