Prayers for the World Cup
If you're keen on football, now may be the time to start praying for the World Cup. And if you're not sure what to say, help is at hand.
First, three offerings from the Bishop of Croydon, the Right Reverend Nick Baines.
For fans, there's this: "Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity and a growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen."
For South Africa, which is hosting the tournament, and everyone else involved in it, there's this: "God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on South Africa in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition and on those who travel to join in the party. Amen."
And for those who find the whole thing an utter bore: "Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience and grant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen."
But if you're an England fan with a preference for something with a bit more bite, we asked the poet and performer Jo Bell, director of National Poetry Day, for her offering. (Apologies to all football fans from other nations who wouldn't dream of praying for an England victory.) Here are some extracts:
"Our father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, we know that you're busy, but please lend a hand to our lads in the beautiful game. Perhaps even you can't tell us the team that Capello will pick, but God of the touch lines, please watch over Rooney's injured neck. We'll pray for the Coles and the Johnsons, but hardest of all we'll pray for Wayne.
"Grant us this day the chance to sing for he's a jolly good fellow, watch over us under St George's flag, and see that we do it right, rejoicing in victory, stoic in loss, showing our nation in a multi-coloured light.
"We'll be good, we'll be truthful, we'll pay more attention to the state of our immortal soul, but God of all creeds and persuasions, give us this day a belting goal. We'll gladly confess the horrible things we said about Rooney's ears if you'll deliver on to us our first Cup in 44 years ...Be kind to us, Lord, on the terraces, crying God for Rooney, England and St George."
If you think you can do better, feel free to contribute below ...
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