Many players have rituals before a game, especially an important one. Few players dress up in a certain way, some eat things, and others listen to music before their game. But one ritual that many teams in every sport and all levels is the sign of the cross or a little prayer. They use this to boost them up and feel like they are going to play better and be safe because they have God right next to them.
Many players also make the sign of the cross when they accomplish something great. For example, when someone hits a homerun or scores a goal, the person will make the sign of the cross, point and look up to God. It is like saying thank you to God for helping them accomplish it. In addition, we also see before a game the team will huddle up and say a prayer plus they will ask God to give them the power to win and be safe from injury.
Paramus Catholic boys’ basketball team prays before every game. We will all circle up wrapping our arms around each other and pray to God. We thanking Him for everything he gave us and we ask Him to lead us to victory. The team also started a new ritual. We went to Sacred Heart Church in Rochelle Park every Saturday night before our Jamboree game the following day. The school’s pastor, Father Larry, was the priest there. Then the championship game was Friday so we asked Father Larry to continue our ritual and give us a prayer service before our championship game to help us and give us the power to become champions. That Friday Night at FDU, Paramus Catholic became 2010 County Champions. We all believed that we won it with God’s help and the prayer services and Saturday mass helped us to become champions.- John Jaramillo
Rituals do play a large role in the world of sports. Prayer is one of the biggest rituals out there for the pros and amateurs as well. I too have a ritual. Prayer before warm-ups, during warm-ups, during games, and after games to name a few, are some of the rituals that i engage in. I do believe that God is our ultimate source of strength, and that when we give him the praise and respect that He deserves, He will bless us with the power and strength that we need to achieve what we want. Prayer rituals are a great way to show others that we believe that God is the main source of our strength, and that without him, we would achieve nothing. As Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Without God, we are merely the equivalent to a grain of sand on the beach. Nothing.
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Rituals go a long ways no matter what it is your doing. From the sign of the cross prayer services with the team, having God by your side does miracles. Rituals lead to traditions which make each moment in sports that much more important than the last. Praying before a game tells God you want Him to be wth you at all times throughout the game and that with His help you want to perform in the best way you possibly can. Even some of the most sacreligious people have to enjoy these rituals before game time because it gets things started. As a team you come together, throw your arm up real high, say your prayer, and get that rush as you leave the locker room. Working hard and practicing mean a lot if you want to be successful, but a little extra help from the Lord is sometimes all you need to get to that next level of your confidence and ability.
ReplyDeleteBut why? Why are they so important? What do they say about faith?
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