1)  Over the next 5 weeks (up until Sports Plus kicks in) we’re gonna recap the Pray Play Say motto of Christians in Sport to keep us focused on the calling we’ve been given.

I find that during these weeks of down-time when the season has finished and not much sport is being played, I get lazy!

I get lazy in my focus in my disciplines and in my actions. This year during these weeks I want to be different and I want to make a difference.

So how’s your prayer life?

Rubbish question I know – I hate being asked it but it’s vital to my growth in Jesus.

Romans 8 v15 helps me grasp the privilege of prayer:

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry ‘Abba, Father’"

There was once upon a time when I without knowing lived in fear of God. I lived in fear of being exposed for who I really was. When I understood what Jesus had done on the cross (took the punishment I deserve through forgiving me on the cross) and who I was (a wretched man that stood guilty before God, facing his just penalty) I was released of that fear of God.

Know I can approach him as a son does to his father. The amazing thing is God has become as close a father. For some of us that might not be a great picture, but rest assured all Paul is saying is that this relationship is extravagantly caring, enormously close as the best father is with his child.

What a privilege prayer is – it means I can come without fear, talking to God as my father – one I cherish and love spending time with.

So what stops me from saying my prayers and bringing those around me to God in prayer for Him to do his work? I usually just cant be bothered - It’s the same old story for me – I have lost sight of the truth!

Oh my friends – grasp hold of that wondrous truth afresh today – for the truth will set you free from ‘not being bothered’.

Lets continue to say our prayers for those who don’t yet know Jesus!!