Unabashed Prayers—for the Cubs

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Unabashed Prayers—for the Cubs

At long last, after 108 years, the Chicago Cubs have won the World Series. Holy cow! Hey, hey! Holy mackerel! Cubs win! Cubs win!

The Cubs and their dry spell of over a century have been legend in the annals of baseball, and even in the wide world of sports. These past seven games—and especially Game 7—have been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs, of absolute rapture to the depths of despair, to be sure.

However. Now this brash, young team full of hope, this winning-est team in major league baseball, has achieved the pinnacle of their sport. The 2016 World Series. Fly the “W” flag!

Lord knows, I have tried not to hope too much. I have seen my hopes and dreams dashed time and again, with many, many other Cubs fans, in many, many other seasons.

But, I tell ya, pinch me. It can’t be true. (Can it? Is it?)

I think it is. Hell is freezing over, right this minute.

God knows that I try to pray for a good, clean game, when I am asked to pray for a sporting event. I pray for both teams to do their very best, and for there to be as few errors, or penalties, or mistakes as possible. Except—I have been praying for the Cubs, the last few games. It’s not that I dislike the Cleveland players. Certainly not! That team is absolutely an excellent team. If the Cubs had had to play against Cleveland during the regular season, I am afraid they might not have had quite as many “wins” to their credit.

But, I digress. Yes, I prayed for the Cubs. And, the Almighty looked with favor upon our boys in blue. Thank You, God.

(I do pray for the celebrations tonight, and into tomorrow. Please, Lord, don’t let anyone get hurt. Keep people safe. Help everyone celebrate in a fun, excited way, and help us welcome the Cubs back to Chicago with open arms. Lord, in Your mercy and grace, hear all of our prayers.)

@chaplaineliza

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Earnest Prayers—for a Sports Team

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Wednesday, October 19, 2016

 

Earnest Prayers—for a Sports Team

Whenever I am asked to pray for the outcome of a sporting event, I always agree. Even though—there are always earnest, wonderful people on either side of the match-up, rooting for their particular team to win.

What is up with that? What is that all about?

I realize some people are particularly serious about their sports, and have great loyalty to a team or a town. How do people reconcile God being loyal to one specific team over another? Or, to one particular town, as opposed to all other towns?

The way I have come to terms with that is to pray for a good, clean game. (No nasty penalties! No trash talk!) I pray for everyone involved in the contest to play in a good, clean manner, with good sportsmanship. And, I pray for everyone watching the game to have an enjoyable time.

Yes, of course I have teams I root for. (Personally, in my private capacity as a Chicago-area resident.)

I remember growing up, and living six blocks south of Addison Avenue. Yes, we would take the CTA bus east to Wrigley Field. I learned how to fill out a score card from my father. I spent a goodly number of afternoons (that was before the lights were installed at Wrigley) watching baseball. So, yes. I am praying for the outcome of the National League division series. For sentimentality’s sake, if for no other reason.

Gracious God, I pray that You look with both grace and mercy upon a certain team that has not won a world series in 108 years. Dear God, in Your mercy, hear my prayers. (as a Chicago-area resident, of course.)

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my companion blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.  #PursuePEACE. My Facebook page, Pursuing Peace – Thanks! And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er