Races and Prerace prayer

Races and Prerace prayer

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us,

too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."  Colossians 4:2-6

Runner's World recently asked the question, "Should races begin with a group prayer?".  This is a question that had many different responses.  The most common reactions to the question were:
http://www.runnersworld.com/general-interest/should-races-begin-with-a-group-prayer?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-RunnersWorld-_-Content-Blog-_-DebateRacePrayers

• Makes me comfortable
• It's unconstitutional (it's not)
• It's a waste of time
• It offends more than it accomplishes and might water down the value of prayer

While any point could be valid with the right audience, as Christian runners, we cannot and should not compromise our values.  We believe that Jesus died to save us.  We believe that He alone gave us the ability to run.  And we believe He is worthy of our praises and prayers.  That being said, we should be careful not to offend anyone intentionally.  We need to always "Be wise in the way we act toward outsiders" and respectful of other people's beliefs.  

When we tell others about Christ or pray publicly, we should be gracious in what we say.  Our best attempts at sharing Christ fail if done with a haughty or in-your-face approach.  Remember this if you wonder how you might come across to others-Salt enhances the natural taste in foods making us want more and it also makes us thirsty.  Our speech should be full of spiritual flavor causing others to want more.  By making sure our speech is "seasoned with salt"-not too much or too little, we can tell others about Christ without offending them or turning them away.  

So, prayer before a race?  Absolutely and always.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  The times may have changed but we can not change.  "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."  Romans 12:2

Heavenly Father, we realize that this world has many people that don't know You.  Help us be the people that bring the Word to others.  Guide our steps, our speech and our heart as we step out in faith.  Give us the words we need when we need them and the courage to be bold in situations where we aren't welcome.  In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.  

Happy Running!!!

Be bold!!!!   Add this one to your playlist for sure!