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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 priest to come and address and bless those who were off to fight. The main message: don’t be afraid! God is with you. God is for you. The writer of psalm 121 knows where the source of his help comes from and the way of the Lord to protect His loved ones.

In some ways, as footballers get ready for a new season they are competing, battling — and for some their livelihoods and families are dependent on their successes and work on the field. This blessing is modeled after Deuteronomy 20 and Psalm 121 and is designed to remind footballers that 1) they are God’s child and that 2) He goes with them through all that they might face during the course of a season of football and beyond.