an athlete's prayer
Prayer:
I thank you O God
for giving me a body
which is fit and strong,
and for making me able to use it well.
In my training,
help me never to shrink the discipline which I know that I need
and that I ought to accept.
In my leisure and in my pleasure,
help me never to allow myself any indulgence
which would make me less fit than I ought to be.
When I compete with others,
help me, win or lose, to play fair.
When I win,
keep me from boasting;
When I lose,
keep me from making excuses.
Keep me from being conceited when I succeed,
and from being sulky when I fail.
And help me always with good will
congratulate a better man who beat me.
Help me so to live
that I will always have a healthy body, and a health mind.
This I ask for Your love's sake.
Amen.
