Behind Closed Doors

Pray for elite sport throughout February

Join thousands of others to pray for elite sportspeople, training and competing in the UK and around the world.

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Currently, the only people able to compete and train in the UK are elite sportspeople. On top of playing, the pandemic has added additional pressures - more time away from family, uncertainty about future events and concerns about health. There’s also more opportunity for Christian sportspeople to speak of the certain hope they have in Jesus at this time.

Join us in praying for them this month, whilst they play behind closed doors, we go and pray.

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This week's prayers

Sunday 21st February

Pray for Elite Hockey

Pray that Christians involved in Irish hockey would be salt and light in their team as they remember their identity and unity in Christ regardless of whether they are selected for the Olympics or not. Pray that God would raise up Christians in the English, Scottish and Welsh Hockey squads.

Monday 22nd February

Pray for Elite Tennis Bible Studies

Praise God for the two regular zoom bible studies with players and coaches. Give thanks for the regular fellowship for those who spend most of the year travelling and isolated from fellow believers. Please pray that the Lord would cause the individuals to grow in their knowledge and love of Him.

Tuesday 23rd February

Pray for Elite Cricket

The England Women start their one-day series in New Zealand today. Pray that the Lord would raise up more Christians in elite cricket. Pray that the few that we do know would be salt and light and would point others towards the hope of the gospel.

Wednesday 24th February

Pray for the Psychological toll in Elite Sport during Lockdown

Uncertainty about competition, restrictions around travel and financial worries are just some of the current pressures for those in elite sport. Pray that ultimately, they would trust Christ amid these pressures; but also pray that they will be able to put into place routines and actions that will help them navigate these challenges.

Thursday 25th February

Pray for Elite Tennis Players on Tour

Please pray for the implications of competition travel: for health and safety, for grace while in competition bubbles and for separation from family. Please pray the Lord will give continued joy as these players and coaches use the gifts He has given them, to do the work which He has called them to do.

Friday 26th February

Pray for the Physiological toll in Elite Sport during Lockdown

Competitors have been more prone to injury in the pandemic due to inadequate or restricted training facilities and fewer opportunities to compete; others are recovering from Covid-19. Pray for both patience and wisdom as they navigate these challenges and pray that Christians keep trusting Christ.

Saturday 27th February

Pray for Elite Rugby

Pray for those rugby players whose contracts are up at the end of season. Pray for a real trust in God to use them as He wants, for wisdom navigating new contracts and practically moving clubs. Pray for Christians in the 6 Nations games this weekend, to be good ambassadors for Him.

Behind closed doors: the unseen pressures on elite sportspeople

The current pressures on elite sportspeople are growing. How can we support them at this time?

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