The Athlete’s Prayer – A prayer even I can get behind

I have been intending to write a post on my views in religion.  Unfortunately my views are confused.  I have serious questions about faith: mine, other’s and faith in general.  But that is for a future time.

I am personally against public prayer.  Prayer, in my opinion, is a personal phone call between yourself and your Deity.  Why would you want other people listening to your phone call?  That being said, I was reading Tuesday Morning Quarterback today and it included a section on “The Athlete’s Prayer”.  I think it is ridiculous for athletes, especially professional athletes who have reached a pinnacle in their field, to pray to God for victory.  God does not care who wins the game.  That being said, I think this is an appropriate prayer for an athlete and I just had to pass it on.

The Athlete’s Prayer
God (or Adonai or Allah), let me play well but fairly.
Let competition make me strong but never hostile.
In this and in all things, guide me to the virtuous path.
If I know victory, grant me happiness;
If I am denied, keep me from envy.
See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up.
Seal it in my heart that everyone who takes the field with me becomes my brother.
Remind me that sports are just games.
Teach me something that will matter once the games are over.
And if through athletics I set an example – let it be a good one.

If only more people could find happiness in victory.