26 Feb 2025
Australian athletes, and Catholics in the sports world, have contributed to a resource designed to help incorporate faith and prayer into the practice of sport at all levels.
Running to God: A Collection of Prayers for Sport produced by the National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE), features prayers written for and by athletes, officials, coaches, parents and spectators.
Developed over the past 18 months, the resource is part of a growing focus on sport within the Church, both nationally and globally.
CEWA’s Director – Religious Education, Rev Mark Powell said the resource aligns beautifully with CEWA’s mission of nurturing the whole person and being Christ-centred.
“Encouraging students to see sports as not just a physical challenge but a spiritual journey empowers them to live out Gospel values in all aspects of their lives. It can be a valuable tool for teachers and coaches, helping them foster an environment where faith and sportsmanship go together.”
Prayer, Rev Powell added, nurtures a constant relationship with God, and this reminds us that every part of life can be an opportunity to recognise the gifts that God has given us.
“Athletes in our schools are encouraged to rely on prayer as it centres their intentions – shifting focus from solely winning to playing with purpose, integrity, and gratitude. Team prayers build unity and a sense of shared purpose, promoting deeper bonds beyond competition. It allows athletes to appreciate their talents and opportunities as gifts from God, fostering a heart of thankfulness. Additionally, students can find strength in setbacks, courage in challenges, and humility in victories when they rely on prayer.”
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, said sporting communities were a growing mission field in Australia.
“Many people around the country are heavily involved in sport, including people of faith, who have a wonderful, rich opportunity to witness to the Gospel in their sporting communities,” he said.
“It is our hope that this resource will provide those involved in sport with a simple and easy way to incorporate prayer into their sporting activities.
“By doing so, each individual will contribute to strengthening the dignity of their sporting communities, which in turn will lead to sport becoming a greater force for harmony and peace.”
“Sport can be marked by extreme highs and lows. This resource reminds us to keep our focus on God because His love for us is constant and unconditional.”
Donna MacFarlane, who represented Australia at both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, said she hoped the new resource would be helpful for all those involved in sport.
“When I was at university and in the early stages of my athletics career, I read the testimonies of some accomplished overseas athletes who had a Christian faith,” she said. “Even though they were not Catholic, it was so encouraging to know that I was not alone.
“This new resource goes much deeper. I hope that it can inspire and encourage everyone involved in sport: professional athletes, school students, local volunteers, and parents.
“Sport can be marked by extreme highs and lows. This resource reminds us to keep our focus on God because His love for us is constant and unconditional.”
Running to God: A Collection of Prayers for Sport can be viewed online or downloaded from Google Play free of charge.
