Daily Worship

Spirit of Friendship

Rachel August 17, 2016 0 0

Micah 6:8

What does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12: 1

The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play. [www.olympic.org]

"Today, dear God, let me show the talents and skills you have given me.  Help me to make a difference today.  Help others to realise the beauty of all that you have given to them.   Amen"
[Prayer used by 1996 Olympic USA soft-ball team member every morning.]

It is not easy to stand up for what you know is right when all around you there are those who bend the rules, find the loop-holes, know who to speak to in order to cut corners and so run the race of life unfairly. It is not easy to watch others take the prizes because they have cheated.  In sport and in life, it is not easy.  But Lord you never said it would be.  And we know we are not alone when we try.

All around us we can see that we are not alone.  

Thank you for the many, many folk willing to stand up for justice and peace.  

Thank you for the groups and organisations working at home and abroad who speak up for the voiceless and bring hope to those who have no hope.

There are so many green shoots - help us Lord to nurture them and encourage them and help them grow.  

Thank you for the vision that led to the Olympic Movement we know today.  Many may try to corrupt its ideals but many others believe in them.  May the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play shine through the Games and beyond so that the darkness of injustice and division in life and in sport is shown up for what it is.  

May we all, as competitors in the race of life, begin each day with you as our guide and our goal.