What do you pray at a golf tournament?

What kind of prayer is appropriate after a game of golf? I had to give thanks at the meal that followed a women’s golf tournament. Although I was honored to be asked to give thanks, I really wasn’t sure why I should pray. I decided to explore some literature on golf and the spiritual side of life. I reviewed titles like Fairway to Heaven, In His Grip, and of course Chicken Soup for the Golfer’s Soul. The material in these books was certainly inspiring in nature, but it did not help me understand what I should say in my prayer.

An Internet search uncovered the fact that Christians have found a staggering number of funny golf anecdotes. Have you heard the one about Jesus, God, and Tiger Woods playing eighteen holes together? It’s pretty funny, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to start my sentence with a joke. People may not be able to stop laughing during grace.

I considered telling a religious story about a famous golfer. I found out that when Vijay Singh won the Masters, his sister claimed it was because his entire family prayed for victory for a whole day and a whole night. Had neither of the other golfer’s relatives prayed for a win? Why did God choose to listen to Singh’s requests? I was confused. If she told Vijay’s story at lunch, the other women might as well be puzzled.

I thought maybe you could share ideas on how golf can positively impact a person’s life.

Golf gives us the opportunity to be outdoors. The stage setting inspired a real appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation.

Golf is a way to exercise and build relationships with family and friends. Golf can be very therapeutic. A widow once told me that after her husband’s death, going out to the golf course had provided her with healthy amusement at times when she felt sad and lonely.

Golf is a way to meet new people. I have spoken to many interesting strangers that I have associated with on the links. At times, our conversations have even led to discussions about matters of faith. My husband and I were playing golf with two naval lieutenants at the Olympic View Course in Victoria, British Columbia, one summer afternoon. One of the officials missed a crucial putt and said, “I knew I would have to pay at some point for missing church last Sunday.” It seemed perfectly natural to ask, “What church would that be?”

Golf provides the opportunity to affirm and encourage others. I play in a weekly women’s league and my teammates are always very positive. The other women make me believe that my golf game is not useless. They look for something good in every shot I take and applaud the slightest improvement in my score. I have learned some valuable lessons about the power of affirmation from my golf partners.

Golf can be a way to support a worthy endeavor. Many organizations sponsor golf events to raise funds. My husband and I frequently participate in tournaments where the proceeds go to charitable causes.

You’re probably already wondering what I finally ended up praying for at golf lunch. I decided not to preface the grace of my table with any comment. I just asked the women to bow their heads and then I said …

Dear God,

We are grateful for the opportunity we had today to play golf. We are grateful for the exercise it provided to our bodies, for the sense of companionship we experienced with other golfers, and for the opportunity we had to enjoy the beauty of creation. Open our minds and hearts to the lessons this game can teach us about life … that we shouldn’t give up after a few bad holes, because things will probably get better if we keep trying … it needs to be flexible, if the nine iron doesn’t it works, maybe the pitching wedge will ….. that women with the latest fashions in golf attract or the most expensive game do not necessarily win the lowest club handicaps, but those who work hard at their game with patience and perseverance.

Bless each person here, whether they ended up being a winner or a loser when the scorecards were handed out today, because if we enjoyed the game we played together, we would really all be a winner. We now ask for your blessing on this meal.

Amen.

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