These prayers fit that moment. There is one for the team, one for a pitcher, one for the coach, and one for after the game.
Historical Context
Paul used athletics as a picture of the Christian life more than once: running to win, training with discipline, competing by the rules. A team prayer before a game is a small way of making the game itself part of that.
A Team Softball Prayer
Lord, thank you for this game and this team.
Keep everyone on both teams safe.
Help us play hard, play fair and play together.
Let us pick each other up after mistakes,
win without bragging and lose without blaming.
We play this game for you.
Amen.
A Prayer for a Pitcher
Lord, steady my arm and quiet my mind.
When I walk someone, help me shake it off.
When I strike someone out, keep me humble.
Let me trust my catcher and my defence,
and give it everything I have.
Amen.
A Coach’s Prayer
Lord, these girls (players) are watching how I handle today.
Give me patience with mistakes and wisdom in decisions.
Let me teach them more about character than about softball,
and let every one of them leave the field feeling valued.
Amen.
After the Game
Thank you, Lord, for today’s game.
Thank you for no injuries, good effort and good friends.
Win or lose, let us go home grateful.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- In the team huddle before the first pitch.
- Before a tournament or championship game.
- On the drive to a game, for a parent and player together.
- After the game, before the team splits up.
Scripture Connection
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23
Playing “as to the Lord” changes the point of the game. It isn’t about pleasing the crowd or the scoreboard; it’s about giving your best effort as an offering, which you can do whether you win or lose.
Related prayers
For other sports, see the Baseball Prayer and the Basketball Prayer. For coaches of any sport, the Coaches Prayer, and for the patron of athletes, the Saint Sebastian Prayer.