Dear Lord, I thank you that I am about to begin a season of college athletics. I have some expectations in my mind, but in all honesty… I do not know how everything will pan out. I am about to begin a new chapter of unknowns. However, may I always remember that there are some things that I will always know: You are with me, You love me, and You have great plans for me. You are constant. You are an everlasting, eternal God in a world of instantaneous decisions and immediate gratification.

Lord, I want to do what I can do and leave the rest up to You! Help me in my desire to do that. I can control how hard I work, what kind of an attitude I have, and how coachable I am. After that, I have to find a way to allow the rest of the pieces to fall into place, and allow Romans 8:28 to come to fruition.” “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

I do not want to take for granted that I have been given the option to compete in a sport I love at a high level of competition. I do not want to take for granted that I get to be part of a team that is purposefully laboring together toward a shared goal. Many people would love to experience this; help me remember that when there are obstacles and difficulties. Help me to see that obstacles and difficulties are opportunities to see how You will guide me through them. My prayer is that I will glorify You during this sports season, Lord. I pray that I will reflect Your nature no matter what I am faced with. Whether I am in the midst of a sports season of success or disappointment or a combination of the two, may I remember that my relationship with You is paramount. Nothing else is as important or fulfilling.

Help me to continue to be thankful for this precious life experience. May others see a grateful spirit in me, in my actions, and in my words. Lord, I pray for this season to be one that will be remembered as a time of spiritual breakthrough in my life. My genuine desire is to become closer to You, Lord. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11