A Mother’s Game Day Prayer

It’s funny how I would never

Pray for my favorite NFL, MLB, or NHL 

Team to Win

Of course, you are so much more concerned

With the state of your church, and the many lost and hurting souls

Than my team’s current rankings

I know what you value

Yet find myself praying for my son’s soccer, football, or running team

To beat the cross-town or cross-state rival

Or even worse

Praying he will beat out

His teammate we have known since elementary or middle school

For a varsity spot

This pitiful behavior begs the question

How do you want me to pray

For my son or daughter on game day?

What do you want them to gain?

Perspective, wisdom, perseverance, compassion?

After all, this sport that means so much right now

Will last, how long?

One year, two . . . maybe five at the most?

And then what?

Even if you choose to let them play in college or beyond

Is that your goal for them?

Their mission in life? 

Is this athletic accomplishment the reason I tried to

“Raise up a child in the way he should go”? (Proverbs 22:6)

Forgive me, Lord, for setting

Such a bad example

For my kids, especially

Lacking grace, wisdom, and a gospel lens

Please grant me your eyes

Eyes to see my child as yours

Someone you want to live 

As if the first will be last (Matthew 20:16)

As a servant of all

Who embraces suffering

Rejoices always (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

And counts others as more important than himself (Philippians 2:3)

On game day as well as all the others