We lift up your son ### before the Lord, thanking Him for the discipline and dedication you’ve instilled in him—qualities that honor God and reflect the perseverance we are called to as believers. The Scriptures remind us in **Colossians 3:23-24 (WEB)**, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* ###’s hard work is not unseen by God, and we pray that through this process, he would continue to grow in character, humility, and reliance on the Lord, whether the outcome aligns with his hopes or not.
At the same time, we must remember that our ultimate trust is not in earthly achievements but in the sovereign will of God, who works all things for the good of those who love Him (*Romans 8:28*). Success in this world—even in something as fleeting as sports—should never overshadow the eternal purpose God has for ###’s life. We pray that if this door opens, it would be used to glorify Christ, to build godly friendships, and to develop ###’s leadership in ways that point others to Jesus. But if this door closes, we pray ### would trust that God has something even better in store, perhaps to protect him, refine him, or redirect his focus toward a path he hasn’t yet considered.
We also encourage you to remind ### that his identity is not found in making the team—or in any human accomplishment—but in Christ alone. **1 Corinthians 10:31 (WEB)** tells us, *"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."* Football, like all gifts, is a tool to steward for God’s glory, not an idol to pursue at the expense of faith, family, or integrity.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for ###, a young man who has been given the gifts of discipline and dedication. Lord, we ask that You would guide the decisions of those in authority over this team, that Your will would be done in ###’s life. If it is Your plan for him to be selected, we pray You would open that door widely, using this opportunity to grow his faith, his witness, and his dependence on You. Give him favor, not for his own glory, but so that others may see Christ in him.
But Father, if this is not Your will, we ask that You would guard ###’s heart from bitterness or discouragement. Remind him that You have a perfect plan for his life, one that far surpasses any temporary triumph or trial (*Jeremiah 29:11*). Use this season to draw him closer to You, to deepen his trust, and to prepare him for the greater purposes You have ahead.
We also pray for his protection—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Shield him from the pressures of this world that seek to define worth by performance. Let him rest in the truth that he is fearfully and wonderfully made (*Psalm 139:14*), and that his value is found in being Your child.
Finally, Lord, we pray for this family. Give them wisdom to guide ### in balancing his passions with his faith. May they use this moment, regardless of the outcome, to point him to You. Let this experience be a testimony of Your faithfulness, not just in victory, but in surrender.
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through whom all things are possible. Amen.
We will continue to lift ### up, trusting that God’s will is perfect. May this season be one where ###—and all of you—grow deeper in faith, no matter the result. Stand firm in the truth that God’s plans are far greater than our own, and His timing is always right.