Editor’s Note: Kevin Jacobson wrote this prayer as part of a project he did in a master’s class with me. For those of you who play golf, let me commend this article to you. You will benefit from his prayer as you think of your own attitude, mindset, and play. As a follower of Christ, you will be challenged by this prayer as well.

A GOLF PRAYER

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me the privilege and pleasure of this round of golf. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of your creation that surround the course. Thank you for the blessing of the physical ability to participate this day. Bless the energy I will expend to the health of my earthly body.

Keep your greatest commandment foremost in my heart and mind. Help me love and serve my neighbor. Many of my fellow golfers are wrestling with the trials of life in this fallen world: some for themselves, some for their loved ones. Show me how, in these few hours, I could minister to their souls now and in the future for your glory. Where the Gospel is needed, give me the words to share the good news of your salvation through Jesus Christ, whether to an unbeliever or as a reminder to a brother or sister of the hope we share.

Use all the circumstances I encounter to change me more into the likeness of Christ. Work in my heart to put to death any indwelling sin that would show itself in unrighteous anger, irritability, or impatience. Give me a Gospel humility so that I can withstand the temptations of pride and self-glorification.

Grant me the strength to think and act in ways that would please you. Allow the Holy Spirit to grant me the wisdom to use words that would encourage my fellow golfers and bring grace to all that hear.

Throughout this day, help me constantly call to mind your holiness and majesty, your love and provision, and the grace, the unmerited favor, I enjoy as your child because of the life, death and resurrection of my Lord and Savior, your precious Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Image Credit Markus Spiske