Have you noticed the players kneeling out on the field after games and praying together? This is often a normal activity after college games as players from both teams who have been beating on each other all day, find it is ok to kneel and pray together when the game is over.  But the National Football League is different and they wish to always control every aspect of the game both before and after each venue.  Although no official word has come down about this activity, there have been several efforts to discourage players from such visible prayer.

Earlier this year, a cornerback for the Oakland Raiders intercepted a pass and dropped to his knees and raised his hands to heaven as a sign of respect. Whether the officials were surprised by a Raiders player actually making a play or not believing his sincerity, the player was penalized for excessive celebration.  With this attention to detail, it is hard to tell whether the league doesn’t like prayer or just tries to live up to the reputation of being the No Fun League (NFL).

What is encouraging about all of this is that the players are still going ahead and praying anyway.  As you celebrate or cry about who wins or loses in the playoffs and the Super Bowl, remember the courage many players are displaying after each game by kneeling down to pray! When you go out to dinner, eat in the cafeteria, or just sit down with friends, take courage and give thanks to your Heavenly Father for all your blessings! 

 Ephesians 6:18-19 (NIV) “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel…”