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It is probably too much to say that the goalkeeper in football (soccer) is the most important position on the team, but it certainly is the most unique position. Of the 11 players on the field for a team, the goalkeeper (GK) is the only one who can legally use his hands to defend the goal. It is often said that GK's are "crazy" or "a different breed." But certainly, a GK must have a different kind of mindset and mentality than most of the other players on the field. This prayer is a prayer that someone who is a GK might pray — a blessing for the work of his or her hands. A prayer to God to help

Coming home — whether it be from a match, a season, a trial or tryout — can bring with it a mix of emotions. If we have been successful in our away endeavors, a return home can be a celebration, a glorious moment. If we have had a loss or if our contract has been terminated, retuning home can be difficult — we feel defeated, deflated. Sometimes a win is not all that it may seem to be. Sometimes a loss is not all that we believe it will be. This prayer is for the one who is returning home. It is a prayer that begins from a difficult place, but ends with confidence and a reminder that one is loved and accepted

Addiction is a fierce reality when it comes to sport — it may be an addiction to things intended to be helpful (like medicines used to alleviate pain and promote healing) or addictions to hurtful things (like alcohol or drugs, sex or pornography). But there can also be unhealthy addictions to some of the unseen things that sport, especially football (soccer), seems to provide, like power, prestige, identity or influence. The roar of the crowds or the approval of parents or loved ones may be just as addicting as one of the more familiar "vices." This prayer is a prayer asking God for help in the midst of addiction — no matter what the addiction is. It is a prayer to

The beginning of the football season is a wonderful time filled with a mix of emotions. For some footballers, they are still trying to earn a spot on the team or they are in a year when they need a new contract. For some it may be their first season in the sport and for others it can be their last — whether due to age, injury, or another reason for retirement. This prayer is based on Deuteronomy 20:1-4 and Psalm 121. In ancient times, before the nation of Israel would head off to spring time war — a time of securing borders and making sure that the farming lands were secure — the instructions were to call for the

There is perhaps no one else within football, that has as important a role or with whom it is necessary to earn and maintain trust as the athletic trainer or phyiso. It is this role which keeps the athlete fit and healthy. It is the trainer who often takes up the mantle of helping an athlete continue on a path toward recovery after a surgery or struggling through a particular type of injury or strain. The athletic trainer also cooperates to promote and cultivate prevention of physical injury. This prayer is a blessing for the hands of the trainer. It is a prayer of blessing that a chaplain might pray over a trainer at the start of a season or

Today marks my third trip this year to work with our Soccer United Chaplains that are spread throughout the United States. I head to McAllen, Texas to spend a couple of days with our newest chaplain, Isidro Piña, to the Rio Grande Valley Toros FC who play in the United Soccer League. Earlier this year, I spent a few days in Nashville and utilized the first-ever match for Nashville SC (a pre-season match) to do work with our new chaplain there. I also spent a day in Chicago with our chaplain for Moody Bible Institute before heading to Charlotte and using the first match of the season to do some work with our chaplain to the Independence. Why travel? As