Thanks God, for giving me life; and talents for my participation in sports.
Help me to play well, to use my powers to the full, to see them as gifts from you.
Be with me when I have to deal with the pain of injury, disappointment, loss.
Keep me aware of the brotherhood I have with all athletes, even when they are opponents;
free me from the temptation to fake, to foul, to cheat.
I need to see that dedication to the cause will require sacrifice,
but let me know that it is the kind of sacrifice that leads to new life and greater maturity.
Help me play with heart, and never lose heart.
Most of all, help me never to quit in my efforts to be open to you.
For I believe your full coming into my life is the way to real life, in all I do;
I believe it is the way of my becoming the truly unique person you destined me to be.
Amen.
