It is finally upon us. Seven years in the making, and the London 2012 Olympic Games are finally here. And whilst LOCOG, Transport for London, and many others have been in the headlines for all the prep work they’ve been doing, countless churches and para-church organisations have also been busy behind the scenes, preparing for a summer of hospitality, servant action, and prayer.
So what’s my prayer for these Olympic Games? There are four areas I’m praying for over the comings weeks:
- Safety – that there would be no injury or loss of life due to terrorism.
- Inspiration – that the Games inspire us as a nation to get fitter and healthier by taking up some sport.
- Guidance for mission teams – that all the churches, and all the mission teams coming from all over the world, would each be used by God in the best possible way, whether that be in giving out water, offering hospitality, running sports events, chatting to people, or praying.
- Glory to Jesus – that many of the winning athletes give the glory of their success to Jesus.
“Lord, please keep our city safe throughout the coming weeks. Please prevent any terrorist attacks from taking place. Change the hearts of any who even now are planning any such evil, give wisdom and supernatural knowledge to those working to prevent attacks, and keep people safe throughout this time.
“Please use these Games to inspire us as a nation to get into better health. May more people of all ages be inspired to take up sports, and may it improve their social and physical health. May we move from being a nation of obesity and junk food, to a nation of healthy living, eating and exercise.
“Please guide all the mission teams seeking to serve You throughout the Games. Guide the places where they serve, the work they do, and the conversations they have. May all people from overseas experience your hospitality throughout these weeks, wherever they are staying.
“Lord, please use our media to broadcast messages of hope, across our nation and across the world. May many of the winning athletes use their interviews, and their moments of fame, to give glory to Jesus for all their success. May young people especially be inspired as they hear their sports idols talking about You. May there be a change in the climate towards Church and Christianity through these Games. And ultimately, may more people come to know you.”
What’s your prayer during the Olympic Games?
Mark Williamson is a founding director of One Rock International, a training organisation resourcing missionary leaders across the globe. He’s also passionate about praying for London, getting into deep conversations, and going for long walks with his wife Joanna.