By Brad Locke
February 13, 2006

(AgapePress) - Prior to the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, I penned a prayer that I thought could serve as a preamble to the Games. Of course, I don't expect Olympic officials to allow any sort of prayer, ever, during the opening ceremonies or at any other time during the Games.

But I'm sure -- I hope -- there are some Christians competing in the Turin Olympics this month (I hear U.S. bobsledder Vonita Flowers is one). I wonder what they pray before the Games begin, what they say to God before their competition starts.

I again humbly submit my Olympic Prayer, as I called it, as a template. I think it's worth another read, and I think its context can be broadened to everyday living.

Father, thank you for this place
Where we gather by Your grace;
Under flags of nations built
As Your holy purpose willed.

Thank you for the chance to show
Gratitude for skill bestowed
To these men and women here,
Bodies filled with holy fear.

Thank you for the joy of games;
May we play them in Your name.
Make us humble, win or lose;
Let our spirits not be bruised.

Thank you, Lord, for victory's gain;
Thank you, too, for losing's pain.
Give us hearts that capture grace
At the end of every race.

Thank you for the sweat and tears,
For the struggles through the years;
For the striving and the strain,
For the time to work and train.

Father, thank you for this day,
Hear us now, to You we pray;
May we glorify Your name
As we shout, "On with the Games!"