The player lay almost still after the hit, clearly in pain. Coaches and fans stood, gasping and wondering as the medical team rushed over. Would the player stand up on his own? Could he continue playing, or would he need to be carried off for medical care?
Meanwhile, eight players from both teams gathered in the middle of the field. They knelt in a prayer circle, heads bowed, asking God to heal the injured player. Fans in the stands joined in, removing their hats and praying too.
This is just one example of how Christian faith appears in sports at all levels—college, high school, and professional. For many decades, faith has been present in these settings. And the Lord is using this for His glory.
It shows me how believers can live out our faith openly at school or work. In our everyday settings, we can be visible and effective in witnessing, ministering and praying for others.
Prayer is a pretty common practice in sports today, with many athletes and coaches from various sports leagues openly expressing and living their faith during games and competitions.
All these gifted, exceptional athletes play and compete at the highest levels of their game, while living their faith in real-time, highly visible ways. It’s on television all the time, being interviewed for radio, podcasts, newspapers, and public appearances.
Their faith and their praying is not only on the field, but in the locker room and the sideline.
From Simplifying Prayer for Athletes and Coaches: The article includes Three Things You Can Do Today To Start Praying For Your Team
From How To Pray the Scriptures Here is a suggested prayer for athletes. They also have one for praying for themselves and one for coaches to pray for the team.
Why this is important
God is using this visibility to bring people together and show his glory.
Beyond the Game
The stories of athletes praying on fields, in locker rooms, and during interviews reveal something profound: faith isn't confined to churches or private moments. It's a living, breathing reality that can transform every space—even the most competitive arenas of professional and amateur sports.
My prayer today is that we all become as dedicated to living faith, as committed to excellence, and as bold and outspoken in faith and praying as any of these.
