The Importance of Prayer

In my teen years growing up in Conyers, GA, I loved playing football. As a 7th and 8th grader I played offensive lineman at J.P. Carr Junior High, and at Rockdale County High School I played center my freshman and sophomore years, and then linebacker my junior and senior years. Our colors were red and black, and our mascot was Bulldogs. Even today, I am a Bulldog to the bone. Our coach at RCHS was a fine Christian man who I will never forget. His name was Tom Jones, yes, like the famous British pop singer from the years past. Every game, whether home or away, we would gather on the sideline prior to the game; and as a team, with all the coaches, say The Lord’s Prayer. Pastor Brandon’s message last Sunday reached deeply into my heart and resurfaced those precious memories.

We were never the best football team in the 6-AAA division, but we played hard, were always competitive; and we loved each other and our coaches. If you ever get a chance to read Tony Dungy’s book, “Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life” I highly recommend it.

This Super Bowl winning NFL coach writes about the importance of prayer, at all times, whether you are winning or losing. Make prayer a priority. There is no better place to start than The Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6. Jesus modeled this simple but thorough prayer, one that covers the main activities of our daily lives. 

As a High School jock, at times I didn’t understand at first why we were praying about “our daily bread” or “debtors” or “temptation” before each game. As Coach Jones lived his godly life before us young bucks day in and day out, I soon learned it was about setting the atmosphere for godly behavior, and good sportsmanship on and off the football field. It didn’t hurt that Coach Jones was in magnificent physical shape for a man in his 40’s, buff as Mr. Universe, but more important was his spiritual strength, character, and wisdom. As we sing “The Lord’s Prayer” this Sunday morning, remember how Christ emulated how we should live, and pray, daily.

Your servant in Christ, Pastor Phillip