On the 18th February, 1976, a small group wrote down five goals to pray towards. 50 years on, the impact of these prayers is unmistakeable. Take time to thank God for the work he's done, and pray for the work still to do in reaching the world of sport for Christ
1. … that we have 18-20 men in March for our luncheon
Those who met in 1976 prayed that God would give a vision for Christians to take their faith in Jesus into their sporting context living lives of worship and witness for Him.
Give thanks that this prayer from one lunch grew into a movement of Christians in sport from young to old, amateur to professional, men and women, to all sport across all communities
Pray that God would continue to use Christians in Sport to enable more Christian athletes, players and coaches to connect their faith in Jesus to their sporting passion and relationships
2. … that 120 attend our June dinner in London
Evangelism was at the heart of the vision creating opportunities for those involved in sport to gather and hear the gospel proclaimed.
Since 1976, thousands and thousands of events, from sports quizzes to dialogue dinners, summer camps to university mission weeks have enabled many to hear the good news of the Christian faith.
Pray for God’s Spirit to be at work in the lives of all involved in sport from conversations and Bible studies through to guest events, camps and mission as well as local church services.
3. … that the Lord would raise up a man in England to give enough time to administrate a sports fellowship for the nation.
From day one, leadership of the vision to reach the world of sport for Christ has been a focus, from praying for one person through to raising an army of leaders for mission, inside the world of sport and to the church. Many took on their first leadership opportunity at Sports Plus or as a student in often those critical and formative years of faith.
Pray that God would continue to use the range of training opportunities to develop faithful leaders for the future who love God’s word and are excited to support Christians to live and speak for Jesus in the world of sport.
4. … that fellowship groups would be established for professional athletes by years end in both the North and South of England
Sportspeople competing at the highest-level have always faced unique challenges, particularly increased public scrutiny and often isolating periods away from home and church. Creating opportunities for fellowship and friendship within professional and elite sportspeople has therefore always been central to the vision of Christians in Sport.
Give thanks to God for enabling opportunities to consistently connect and support top-level sportspeople over 50 years. Give thanks for the growing numbers of Christians across the entire breadth of elite and professional sport.
Pray that God would continue to grow opportunities for discipleship within top level sport across many sports from Men’s and Women’s Football, Track and Field Athletics, Netball, Rugby, Golf and more; Pray for these players and athletes as they seek to share their faith in Jesus within their own contexts. Pray for the growing numbers of young people involved in performance pathways as well as their parents as they navigate faith and sport.
5. … that England would be an example to the other European nations to start fellowships for Christian athletes.
It is unmistakable that sport continues to grow in cultural significance around the world. It is a universal language and an important part of the lives of millions, as these founders recognised and prayed into from the start.
Give thanks that God has raised up organisations across Europe and the world to pioneer and grow mission to sportspeople within their countries. Give thanks that Christians in Sport has had the privilege of working alongside many of these organisations, sharing vision and collaborating to implement strategies including running sports camps, academies and mentoring leaders.
Pray for the whole world of sport, that God would enable established and new sports ministries around the world to grow, connecting with more sportspeople, giving them opportunity to respond to the good news of Jesus.
