Friends.

I was at the England v Poland game last night and was reminded once again of the enormity of Sport!

I stood underneath the Matt Busby statue for about an hour at old Trafford and watched as fanatical supporters from both countries made their way to their seats. I watched as cameramen caught shots of delirious fans singing and dancing wearing their countries colours, possessed with this obsession of sport. And I thought of the reality of their position if they didn’t know Jesus – lost, without hope, enemies of God… the list continues.

What a privilege to understand what it is to really live – to have Jesus at the centre of life.

What a responsibility we have in this huge world of sport to make a difference for Jesus. Are you trying to let Jesus shine through you in your sport?

Let's remind ourselves of where we are – last week: We’re looking at the book of Colossians. Paul writes to a group of Christians who are being tempted to follow new and exciting things and not make Jesus number one. We looked at how Paul told them that Jesus was absolutely everything – all they need.

We’re now in chapter 4 of Colossians following the strap-line of Christians in Sport to PRAY,PLAY,SAY

Read v2-4 – Paul tells the Christians to pray.

How should we pray?
 

In Verse 2 Paul says with devotion being watchful and thankful.

Let's pick up on devotion this week and watchful/thankful next week

Are you devoted to prayer? – I dislike that word ‘devotion’ it makes me feel guilty! But it shouldn’t, it should encourage me to pray more. Paul was devoted in praying for people and so must we be!

What should devotion look like for us?

What about praying for 3 friends in your sports teams who are not Christians – every day! Put a small time aside each day and bring these guys/girls before God – Be devoted to that

Now we have 400+ young people in the UK who have signed up to pray for lost friends – be one of those who is devoted to it, because you know someone was devoted to you, in you becoming a Christian!

Love it!! – Pray till you drop!!!

The Youth Team