I was sitting on the floor, eyes glued to the TV screen, impressed with the fast and precise movements of gymnasts such as Nadia Comaneci and Olga Korbut. That was the day I watched Comaneci’s performance on the uneven bars that made her the first gymnast to receive a perfect score of 10 during an Olympic gymnastics event. From my home in São Paulo, Brazil, I felt as if I were right there in Montreal in 1976. It was my first encounter with such a worldwide sporting event during my pre-teenage years.

Since that time, the Summer Olympic Games have fascinated me. They teach me lessons about endurance, grace, strength, and the capacity we all have to overcome fear and limitation. Observing the athletes in action helps me understand how true and practical Mary Baker Eddy’s statement is: “The feats of the gymnast prove that latent mental fears are subdued by him. The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 199).

Because this year’s Olympic Games are in Brazil, my former home country, I feel even closer to the event than I did then, and I’ve been praying specifically about some challenges that the country and the hosting city, Rio de Janeiro, are facing. Rio is called the “City of Wonders” because of its natural beauty. But the natural wonders that I’m expecting to see before, during, and after the Games are the overcoming of fears and, especially, the demonstration of God’s unchangeable law of harmonious government for all. I am expecting the athletes and their delegations, organizers, visitors, and volunteers, as well as Brazilian citizens in general, to witness the ever-present effects of this divine law of harmony, seen in wisdom being exercised and in safety and health for everyone attending.

There is a general concern about going to Brazil for the Games because of various topics covered in the news. I’ve talked to João Pedro da Silva, a member of the Brazilian handball national team who will compete in the Games. Da Silva, who now lives in France, is praying to overcome fear of terrorism, since witnessing the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris last year. Da Silva’s love for and trust in God have helped him feel safe, and have enabled him to demonstrate that God’s wisdom governs even his daily routines. He’s expecting to see order and peacefulness during the Games and is praying for the safety of those attending, trusting that God will protect and guide everyone.

Our prayers for the Olympic Games can help uplift the atmosphere of thought and destroy fear.

Our prayers for the Olympic Games can help uplift the atmosphere of thought and destroy fear by recognizing the operation of God’s omnipotent law. Christ Jesus gave us examples of how the application of divine law brings big blessings, especially when he was able to depart unharmed from a crowd that wanted to destroy him (see Luke 4:28–30), when he fed the multitudes (see Matthew 15:32–38), and when he, through wisdom, prevented the scribes and Pharisees from stoning a woman who had committed adultery (see John 8:2–11). The Science of Christianity explains that the spiritual law of harmony, when understood and adhered to in prayer, destroys discord and eliminates obscure, hidden, or unrecognized fears.

So now the same truth is here today for us to turn to in prayer in order to prevail over discord and establish peaceful and healthy conditions. Right thinking and prayer that recognizes the supreme rule of perpetual harmony annul fearful and unjust conclusions about what could happen at the Games. Keeping God’s law of harmony before our thoughts in regard to all aspects of the Olympic Games constitutes important and needed scientific prayer. We overcome both personal and collective fears by seeing the spiritual reality of God’s creation. Here are some specific ways to combat latent fears.

Overcome fear of travel

God is omnipresent and governs everyone harmoniously. The Bible teaches that the divine presence is with us wherever we go and always leads us “in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:24), the way that God has prepared, where there is no risk, no chance, no danger—only harmony and peace. Knowing that divine Mind is always in control, caring for each athlete, each passenger, each pilot or driver, at every moment, helps us acknowledge that no one is ever alone or outside God’s loving care. Everyone has the ability to feel and experience the safe atmosphere of divine Love. Being at the Olympic Park, in hotels, restaurants, on the streets or beaches, can be a safe experience, protected from contamination or contagion of any sort. Mary Baker Eddy’s article “Contagion” offers helpful ideas, including this statement: “A calm, Christian state of mind is a better preventive of contagion than a drug, or than any other possible sanative method; and the ‘perfect Love’ that ‘casteth out fear’ is a sure defense” (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 229).

Overcome fear of urban violence and terrorism

By seeing every individual as the image and likeness of God, governed by His law of harmony, I was saved from harm in two instances when a man pointed a gun at me. We can help others, and ourselves too, if when we hear reports of urban violence or terrorist threats, we see beyond the human picture and affirm that God, good, is supreme. Fervently knowing, with spiritual understanding, that everyone is in truth the expression of God and therefore has dominion over tempting and hateful thoughts, not only protects individuals but can also have a wider influence and help prevent tragedies from taking place. This kind of prayer can even help prevent political instability (which is a big concern in Brazil) from occurring and affecting the games. This truth includes everyone, both civilians and authorities, who can be spiritually guided to do the right thing at the right time—expressing wisdom, for instance, when establishing rules, procedures, and security measures.

We overcome both personal and collective fears by seeing the spiritual reality of God’s creation. 

I saw this expressed on the day of the final match of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I felt harmony, joy, and safety on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. And even media correspondents, tourists, and athletes praised Brazilians for their warmth and hospitality. 

Located just half a block from the stadium is First Church of Christ, Scientist, and some people and I volunteered to open the church doors and serve sandwiches to over 250 police officers working nearby. During the day, a female officer came to me almost in tears and said, “Do you have any painkillers? I’m in horrible pain.” I told her I didn’t have any, but that she had come to a healing church. I shared some healing ideas with her and asked her to just feel God’s love for her. God certainly didn’t cause her to be in pain, and she was doing good work, selflessly serving her city and country. Later on she came back to me and very happily said, “Thank you! The pain was gone very quickly.”

On that day, nine heads of state, including the President of Brazil, as well as popular national and international singers, were present for the final ceremony. Everything was peaceful and well organized. I expect nothing less during the Olympic Games. 

Overcome fear of accidents and diseases

Our prayers for the harmony of the Olympic Games ought to be based on the spiritual fact that accidents, injuries, and diseases are not caused or created by God; they are, in fact, unknown to divine Mind (see Science and Health, p. 424) and are out of the question under His law of harmony. All athletes come to the Games not only to express grace, strength, precision, and their many other qualities and abilities, but also to show their love for what they do. Prayer affirms that no fear or accident can hinder this expression.

Such prayer for everyone involved helps lift the atmosphere of thought and diminishes the fear of participating and performing in these Games. Under the government of divine law, no one can be injured or sick, or be caught in any kind of negative incident. Our understanding of the divine law of harmony helps overrule these possibilities. Every person involved in the Games, including the spectators, can expect to express joy, camaraderie, and mutual support because of who they all truly are as the image of Love. All are safe under divine protection.

Those who have an understanding of Christian Science have an immeasurable contribution to make to these Olympic Games and to the world—by knowing, expecting, and praying fervently and diligently that everyone will be blessed by the law of harmony and good that governs individual lives and the entire universe.