Prayer Before Play: Inviting God into Every Game

Josh Merrill

It’s easy to forget that God cares about the “little” things. This could look like things like practice, game day, locker room talks, or pregame nerves. But the truth is, He’s not just God on Sunday mornings, He’s God on the field, on the court, in the huddle. He’s present in every moment when we invite Him in. That’s why prayer isn’t just a pregame ritual, it’s a powerful connection point with the One who gave us the gift to play in the first place.

Philippians 4:6 tells us to bring everything to God, not just our crises, but our concerns, our hopes, and our wins. When we pray before we play, we’re reminding our hearts who really leads the team. We’re surrendering the outcome and asking for character, courage, and clarity in how we compete in whatever comes our way. Prayer centers us, strengthens us, and shapes how we show up all around.

For coaches, praying with your team can set a tone of unity and purpose. For athletes, even a quick moment with God before the game can shift everything, from nerves to mindset. For sports ministries, prayer keeps the mission eternal, not just seasonal. It’s not about asking God to help us win, it’s about asking Him to be glorified, no matter what.

At Eternity Sports, we encourage prayer as part of every aspect of your sports journey. Whether you’re looking for guidance, structure, or ways to lead others in prayer, our Ministry Library is here to help. And if you’re looking to connect with a broader community of believers in sports, the Christian League Finder is a great way to get plugged in.

You don’t need the perfect words, just an open heart. When we start with prayer, we invite God first and onto the field.

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