Athletes go through a journey packed with victories, challenges, and emotional impacts. In their pursuit of excellence, they may experience some unforeseen moments bringing uncertainty and fear.
While it’s natural to fret about an upcoming competition, fear should never be an option in your life as an athlete. Instead, you should constantly seek God’s guidance, courage, and strength through prayers.
Therefore, below we bring a collection of prayers to St. Sebastian for athletes to remind you that you’re never alone in the battle.
Before you even start, save these prayers for strength and courage in difiicult times.
1) St. Sebastian Prayer to Protect the Athletes
“O’ Holy Saint Sebastian,
I turn to you this time, thanking you for being a dedicated patron of athletes. Today, I ask you to protect them from harm and injuries as they pursue sporting victory.
Please bless them with good physical health and shield them from accidents that may occur while they’re competing or training. May you help us acknowledge our different athletic gifts from God and explore them to the glory in His name.
In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Saint Sebastian is among the popular saints in Catholic doctrine, the patron saint of soldiers and athletes.
During his service, Saint Sebastian, whose image is often portrayed as a man standing before a tree with an arrow pierced through his chest, showed steadfast commitment.
Whether striving to achieve a personal best or overcoming fear related to an upcoming competition, you can always say this prayer with faith, and you’ll be victorious.
Be encouraged by Psalm 118:13-14 which says, “I was pushed back and about to fall, but God help me. God is my strength and defense and has become my salvation.”
2) Prayer to Saint Sebastian for Injured Athletes
“St. Sebastian,
I praise your name, for your dedication towards athletes. Today, I pray that you may see and touch every injured athlete to heal them from pain.
I pray for their quick and complete recovery, so their bodies can regain the strength to resume their usual athlete duties.
Please give them peace as they navigate through this challenging moment and make them more victorious.
In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
No athlete wishes to incur an injury while on duty. However, injuries are almost inevitable, disrupting an athlete’s usual routine and the wellness of the entire team or country.
That’s why praying for injured athletes to get well soon and stay protected on the field is essential. Remember to also pray for their families because it’s never an easy moment whenever one of them is injured.
Even better, if you know any injured athlete, you can send them scriptures such as Isaaih 41:10 that says, “Do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you. I will uphold you in my righteous right hand.”
3) Prayer to Saint Sebastian to Give Strength to Athletes
“Oh Great Patron of Athletes and Soldiers,
Today, I pray that you fill our athletes with immense strength as they strive to succeed. Please guide their actions and thoughts so they may remember to follow the proper diet that attracts the strength they need.
I ask you to protect them from all forms of illnesses that may try to bring them down and take away their strength.
I ask this in the name of Jesus,
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Amen.”
Athletes need a lot of strength to train and beat every obstacle in competitions and other activities. One way to acquire this strength is through prayers, which also bring peace of mind, concentration, endurance, and inspiration.
Whether you’re an aspiring or professional athlete or know someone who is, you can say the above prayer with faith and hope to acquire unexplainable energy in your next game.
The Bible encourages in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is all that we need. For His power is greatest when we are weak.
4) Prayer to Saint Sebastian for Strength and Courage for Athletes
“Dear Saint Sebastian,
I humbly come before you, praying for your divine intervention in the life of athletes. Please give them the courage and strength to face every challenge on their road to victory.
May they follow your example of unwavering commitment as an inspiration to improve in sports daily. Allow them to find comfort in you in times of injury or when impatient.
I ask this through Jesus Christ, our Solace.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Praying for strength and courage for atheletes is crucial because it enables them to beat fatigue and discouragement.
The book of James 2:17-26 testifies that a body without the spirit is dead and so is faith without actions.
Therefore, as you pray, as an athlete, you should seek to attend all the training sessions actively and adhere to the set regulations concerning your particular sport.
This way, God will bless your efforts by granting you more strength and courage and protecting you from injuries. Remember to also intercede for other team members and those aspiring to become athletes.
5) Short St. Sebastian Prayer for Athletes
“Loving St. Sebastian,
I come before you thanking you for leading as an example in athletes with your physical abilities and passion for sports.
May you continue guiding us as we pursue excellence in athletics. Just as you portrayed steadfast commitment, please enable us to push through every challenge that comes our way.
Please hear my prayer.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
If you’re an athlete or know one, you should encourage them that victory isn’t all about winning a race. Finishing a race successfully is in itself a great victory. Representing your country in sports events earns you honor.
Even improving from your previous position is victory and should call for celebration and thanksgiving to God.
Just like Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter after he began to drown in the lake (Matthew 14:22-33), He will walk with you in the field if you believe in the power of prayer.
6) Prayer to Saint Sebastian for Martial Arts
“Oh St. Sebastian,
Thank you for your goodness and guidance to all athletes and soldiers worldwide. Please grant me the perseverance, agility, resilience, and strength to overcome all challenges as I undertake my martial arts.
May you go before me and protect me from falls or any other injury. Thank you for making me a winner.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Amen.”
Rarely do people talk about spirituality or faith in martial arts, as seen in other sports. While there’s no direct reason for that, there’s nothing wrong with being a spiritual martial artist.
You can pray before an upcoming practice or during training to attract more concentration and guidance.
Martial artists should also combine their faith with positivity to bring a sense of victory in every milestone that one completes. Declare that you can do everything through Christ who strengthens you according to Philippians 4:13.
7) Prayer to Saint Sebastian for Runners
“Holy Saint Sebastian,
Just as you went through trials and remained committed in faith and your role as the patron of athletes and soldiers, we ask you to fill every runner with strength and guidance.
Please keep them safe from fractures and sprains as they run or any abnormalities in their bodies that may deter them from achieving their full potential.
May they find inspiration in your experience and example in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Runners often face numerous challenges as they strive for excellence in their efforts. One of the realities of a runner’s life is injuries which can sometimes reach adverse extents.
Luckily, they can seek motivation and inspiration to persevere by praying to St. Sebastian, the patron of athletes and a revered martyr.
While praying doesn’t necessarily shield you from all injuries while running, God will protect you from situations that can attract accidents.
Don’t be anxious about your upcoming running competitions, but make your worries known to God through prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving.
8) Prayer to Saint Sebastian for Gymnastics
“Holy Saint Sebastian,
Thank you for choosing to be the patron of all sports, including gymnastics. As a gymnast, I pray that you may guide my moves and grant me the strength and courage to achieve my goals.
I bring every gymnast before you, praying their practices reflect your glory and the virtues you demonstrate. May you increase their faith so they may be as committed as their patron.
I ask this in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.”
Original StAgnes.net prayer. Copying prohibited, except with source.
Even after the Roman authorities tried to execute him with arrows, Saint Sebastian still showed confidence and strength.
Saint Sebastian’s suffering, commitment, and endurance should inspire every Christian gymnast. Though training can be challenging, or you may fail to achieve your desired targets, that shouldn’t be a reason to give up but work harder.
The book of Isaiah offers much encouragement and consolation to anyone feeling weaker or doubting their ability to beat challenges. A good example is Isaiah 35:4 which says:
“Say to those with fearful hearts, “be strong, do not fear, your God will come with great vengeance and divine retribution to save you.”
Are These Prayers for All Athletes?
Yes. The above prayers can be said by all athletes, from runners to martial artists, gymnasts, and others. The prayers ensure strength, confidence, guidance, wisdom, and favor as the athletes strive for excellence.
Can Anyone Say the Prayers?
Absolutely. These prayers can be said by anyone, whether they’re an athlete, know someone who’s an athlete, or wish to bless every athlete out there.
Can I Say Prayers for Other People?
Sure! You can say these prayers for other people who are athletes or aspiring to become athletes. Besides protecting them from potential injuries, these prayers ensure victory and strength.
Final Thoughts
Athletes are vulnerable to emotional and physical breakdowns due to failure to meet their full potential, and other challenges.
In such times of uncertainty, these prayers can bring a sense of purpose, strength, and guidance to athletes. By saying these prayers, athletes can gain motivation that extends beyond physical energy.