Article June 23, 1980 Issue

The power of prayer in competitive athletics

DONALD R. RIPPBERGER

Prayer is as valuable in competitive athletics as in any other human endeavor. This is not now generally being proved because of a misconception of both prayer and competition. Prayer is too often conceived of as begging a corporeal God for favors, while competition is often associated with a frantic determination to win at all costs. Christian Science corrects such misconceptions and shows both what prayer is and how it applies to competitive sports.

It does so by revealing the nature, laws, and goodness of reality. God is incorporeal Love, the source of all good, and man reflects God in perpetual harmony and brotherhood. True prayer brings us into accord with reality, showing us our unity with God, freeing us from limitations, and releasing latent abilities. Prayer reveals ideas, attitudes, motives, individuality, that are in harmony with God and therefore help further brotherhood.

In its highest sense, competition is not conflict or rivalry, using a win/loss record to prop up feelings of superiority. Such a mistaken approach may result in the fear, envy, enmity, and revenge that restrict action of mind and body. Honest competition often brings out unused potential and helps break down limitations.

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June 23, 1980
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