Runner's Prayer Two
>> 4/22/08
Our Father,
Something within us longs to run farther and faster.
Thank you for hearts that dream and for minds that envision how to bring dreams to reality. We commit our aspirations to you and request your aid in bringing them to pass.
We come to this contest ready to give our best effort to realize the potential you have placed within us. Bless our preparation in proportion to our commitment and diligence.
Help us to run this race fairly and fully. Cause mind and body to work together so that we are swift yet safe. Protect us from unexpected hazards and unanticipated illness. Give us the will to run when we are weary and the strength to endure when tempted to surrender.
May we find joy in the product of your creative work. Teach us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, the resilience of those who run with us, and the uniqueness of our own identity. Remind us that personal significance is determined more by who we are becoming than through what we do. Help us to enjoy the journey while it is in progress.
Where efforts fall short of expectations, help us to learn from the experience. Remind us that life, like this race, is not always a painless pursuit. May disappointments deepen our resolve to overcome life’s obstacles and lead us to new growth.
Where efforts exceed expectations, give us humility. May our success provide encouragement to others and inspire gratitude in our own hearts for blessings received.
As our Creator you have given us life. Grant that lessons learned on this day will help us to experience that gift in fullest measure.
Amen.
13 comments:
I appreciate this line: "Remind us that personal significance is determined more by who we are becoming than through what we do."
Sometimes we get caught up in ourselves and our personal gains and forget to look within and toward the future.
Amen!
I love it. I keep your other prayer in my nightstand, and refer to it often. I'll add this one to the drawer as well.
This is wonderful. Thank you Craig!
There is a great message in those prayers, thanks for posting them!
Thanks guys.
I'm not sure whether it's legit for a guy who doesn't race to write prayers for runners who do. But about half the folks who've come here over the past week and a half got here by googling "runner's prayer."
Since people seem to be looking for them I decided to post a second one.
Annette -- I think we often find our significance in our credentials (like the things we've accomplished) with little thought to what kind of person we are becoming. It's as if what we do somehow justifies our existance.
But a person might finish many races but still not like who they are. I believe we have a God-given significance by virtue of our creation. When we fill the purpose for which we were given life then we are able to give ourselves more freely and fully to the rest of living.
One of the things I love about running is that it challenges me to think about who I am and my role in this life. After a run I'm more in touch with how my life intersects those of others.
BOP -- I'm honored to have made it into the drawer.
This is so great. Even for a non-runner (contemplating trotting, however ;)), this has so much relevance to the journey...running for our lives.
"Give us the will to run (keep going) when we are weary and the strength to endure when tempted to surrender."
There's a saying out there somewhere...If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Such an incredible source of encouragement when the weight of the world bogs us down.
:) Blessings to you!
Nikki -- Glad to know you found it meaningful. I definitely subscribe to the saying you quote.
You should give trotting a try. That's how most folks, whether they run a couple of miles or 100, start out.
Powerful prayer Craig. You are such a gift to all who visit here. Really beautiful!
Beautiful, poiniant, reassuring, something to hold on to. Thank you once again.
Jenny
Wonderful prayer, Craig!
Beautiful prayers! I came to your sight by googling "runners prayer" for my high school daughter and her cross country team. Even though she attends a public school the team has always started each race with a prayer, what a wonderful thing one of the girls was brave enough to start years ago...I am very thankful that you wrote yours down and that I can share one with this year's team.
Anonymous -- Please feel free to use any of the prayers at any time. That is one of my efforts to make some kind of useful contribution to the running community. I wish your daughter and her team every success in the coming season.
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