Prayer of the Sportsman (From CYO Long Island)
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.
Athlete’s Prayer (From CYO Long Island)
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.
Prayer to Saint Sebastian, Patron Saint of Athletes (from cyojwa.org)
“Dear Commander at the Roman Emperor’s court, you chose to be also a soldier of Christ and dared to spread faith in the King of Kings, for which you were condemned to die. Your body, however, proved athletically strong and the executing arrows extremely weak. So another means to kill you was chosen and you gave your life to the Lord. May athletes be always as strong in their faith as their Patron Saint so clearly has been.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael The Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host – by the Divine Power of God – cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
Basketball Prayer (from cyojwa.org)
Almighty Father, Bless us as we take this court. We pray that we may put into action the things we have learned in practice about life, sportsmanship and skill. May you keep us safe in our endeavor and protect all who participate today from injury. We remember that our every talent on this court came from You and strive to glorify You through our actions today. Bless this game that it may lead all who participate and watch closer to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer for Practices Lord, We thank you for bringing us here today and ask that you bless this practice. May we who participate here grow not only in our athletic ability, but also in our relationship with you and in our love for others. Help us to use the talents you have given us to the best of our ability. Help us to learn virtue through this endeavor, that we may grow in our understanding of this game and of life. Keep all gathered here today safe from injury and help us to glorify you through all that we accomplish in this practice. We ask too for the intercession of your Mother, that she may watch over us and pray for us.
Amen.