Daily Worship

Lift me up to start again

Albert Bogle August 08, 2016 0 0

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

I remember visiting the Olympics in 2012 it was an interesting experience. I had the privilege of meeting up with some the chaplains who are there to support the athletes from a spiritual perspective. 

We should remember that there will be over 5,000 athletes in Rio this year. Many of them will have sacrificed a great deal to be at the games. The build up will have been incredible - years of training and preparation.  All of that can disappear within a few seconds. Not everyone can win. Often it is the chaplain who is able to draw alongside side a young athlete trying hard to deal with the aftermath of defeat. I spoke  with  chaplain at 2012; Olympics;  he had been a  professional racing driver. I remember he told me how he found defeat hard to take  - especially when you had missed winning by  only  three seconds. “It’s hard”, he said “ When you lose by a few seconds but realise another 20 drivers have been able to pass you in these few seconds” 

 

Lord,

Thank you for the joy of sport

The excitement of taking part

The commitment of all those who offer their best

Uphold those who play by the rules

Give great success to those who refuse to cheat

Today Lord,

As I take to the track of life

Help me to enjoy the gift of living

May my commitment be a blessing to others

May I compete against all that is evil within me

Lord I want to focus me attention on you

In order to win

And when I fail

Fall short of your checkered flag

In your mercy lift me up to start again