The Paralympics started last week with another spectacular opening ceremony in Paris (this time in beautiful weather). As athletes, supporters and spectators gather from across the world, churches in Paris are welcoming people in to pray and learn more about the Christian faith. The Catholic churches are hosting the ‘Holy Games’ with evangelism and outreach on the theme of sport. On our trip to the Paris Olympics, I persuaded my family to take a break from sport to visit Saint Sulpice church in the Latin Quarter. You can imagine their delight when we arrived to find it was hosting a fan zone. In front of the church was a big screen, fast food and beer stalls!
At the Sacre-Coeur (yes – they all agreed to a second church visit!) I was given a New Testament in which Olympians and Paralympians shared their journeys of faith and sport. A South African paralympic sprinter, Niel Louw, described how, following an accident as a teenager, his family’s prayers and love helped him ‘understand more and more that nothing could separate me from the love of God’. He went on: ‘Even though it was very exciting and gratifying to get a Paralympic medal, I realised that it was much more important to participate in the race of life. Here, it’s not just the start that matters, but the way and attitude in which we compete each day. We thus have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author of our faith and leads it to perfection’ (Hebrews 12:2).
Whether or not we see ourselves as a sportsperson (I certainly don’t!) we all run the race of life, facing challenges, loss and failure as well as times of success and joy. However, we feel our race is going, we too can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing that he walks (or runs) with us always. Our faith and God’s love are more precious than any gold medals we may or may not win.
Lord Jesus Christ,
your love is more than gold,
and the warmth of your welcome is a taste of heaven.
We thank you for all involved in the Paralympic Games;
for the skill and bravery of athletes;
for the wisdom and care of judges who ensure an equal chance for all;
for the support and encouragement of coaches and teammates;
and for the grace and kindness of volunteers who welcome all who come.
We ask that as the champions of the world unite in the spirit of Paralympic competition
you would grant us a vision of a world
united in mutual respect and tolerance
united in fairness and encouragement
united in harmony and peace.
We ask this in your name.
Church of England prayer for the 2012 Paralympic games
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