We come before the Lord with a heavy heart regarding this request, for while we understand the desire to excel in a profession, we must first examine the nature of boxing through the lens of Scripture. The sport of boxing involves intentional harm to another person, which raises serious concerns about whether it aligns with God’s will for His children. The Bible instructs us in Romans 12:19, *"Dearly beloved, don’t avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'"*
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we are reminded, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* How can we glorify God when we willingly participate in a sport that seeks to inflict physical harm on others, even if it is within the rules of the sport? The Bible calls us to peace, love, and self-control, not to violence for entertainment or personal gain.
We must also address the spiritual danger of pride and the pursuit of worldly glory. Proverbs 16:18 warns, *"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."* The ring can become a place where fleshly desires for fame, power, and recognition take precedence over humility and dependence on God. We urge you to consider whether this path is one that honors Christ or feeds the desires of the flesh.
If this is a matter of providing for yourself or your family, we encourage you to seek God’s guidance in finding a profession that aligns with His Word and allows you to use your gifts in a way that builds up rather than tears down. Philippians 4:19 assures us, *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* Trust in Him to open doors that are pleasing to Him.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a heart that seeks Your will above all else. Lord, we lift up this individual and ask that You would reveal Your truth to them. If this path of professional boxing is not one that aligns with Your Word, we pray that You would close the door firmly and redirect their steps toward a calling that honors You. Father, we ask that You would break any chains of pride, ambition, or worldly desire that may be driving this pursuit. Replace those desires with a hunger for Your righteousness and a longing to serve You in all things.
Lord, if there is fear or uncertainty about the future, we ask that You would fill this person with Your peace. Remind them that You have plans for their life, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Help them to trust in You with all their heart and lean not on their own understanding, acknowledging You in all their ways so that You may direct their paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Father, we also pray for protection over their heart and mind. Guard them from the lies of the enemy, who may whisper that success in this world is more important than obedience to You. Remind them that their identity is found in Christ alone, not in titles, fame, or the approval of men. May they seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that all these things will be added unto them (Matthew 6:33).
We rebuke any spirit of violence, pride, or selfish ambition in the name of Jesus. We declare that this individual is set apart for Your purposes, and we ask that You would lead them into the good works You have prepared for them to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). If there is a calling to serve You in a different capacity, we pray that You would make it clear and give them the courage to follow Your leading, no matter the cost.
Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness and for the promise that You will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We trust in Your goodness and Your perfect plan for this life. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.