A Parent's Prayer

 
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“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God."

Brother Lawrence

 

I have friend who played and coached hockey at a high level. He has been blessed with the  privilege of coaching both of his sons in hockey at a very high level.  He shared with me something beautiful and amazing.  In his own words, 

As a hockey coach, I’m able to be on the ice with my boys. Before every game, they skate over to me and I pray for them.  It’s not a fancy prayer.  I’m not even sure if it’s technically or theologically correct.  I pray for them:

 

 “Peace of Christ.  Strength in the Spirit,
And God’s protection upon you.”

 

And then, of course, I add dad’s words of exhortation: 

“Play your game.  Play hard.” 

 

This beautiful story sparked three questions in my heart, mind and soul:  

Am I praying for my athlete?

What am I praying for my athlete?  

When am I praying for my athlete?

 

Are we praying for our kids?  What we pray for our kids reveals something about our heart, our hopes and the road map we have laid out for our children to follow.  In my friends own words, “This may not be the best prayer, but it is a good one.”   

 

Q:  What are you praying for your athlete before,

during and after the competition?

  

“Guide me, Lord, as I discipline my children and prepare them for the battles they face everywhere, including their own hearts.”

(paraphrase of Ephesians 3:14-19)

 
CM