Stand and Pray at our Sports Distractions #StandAndPray 2023

 And so it continues.  In the United States, maybe in other countries also.  Before we start our sporting events, our cultural or governmental traditions have established a moment where we stand as the flag of the government is displayed and the associated national anthem played.  We are asked to stand, respectfully take off our caps, and sing along with the anthem (if you know the words).  Sometimes we are asked to place our hand over our heart.  These are human instructions on what we should do, whether we want to or not.  If you do not follow these instructions, you are frowned upon.  And please do not even think of taking a knee if you are one of the combatants on the playing field preparing for your "game".  In some countries this pre game ritual has been linked to respecting those who have fault in our human wars.  Those people sent off to practice our utmost human stupidity.  The act of killing each other over human values.  Property/land, power, resources.

There is another option for our pre game ritual.  I propose this option to all regardless of your faith, religion, or national human origin.  Regardless of your race, gender, or economic status.  As you are asked to "please rise, remove your caps, and join in the playing of our national anthem", simply stand and pray.  

Stand in acknowledgement of the God who created humanity.  Pray either silently or out loud for the continued grace of our Creator who allows us to continue to live despite our continuing to stray from the course which our Creator established for us to follow.  Pray in thanks for all that you have, whether it's the material and economic benefits that allow you to even attend this "game"; your health which allows you to be alive at the game; or just pray for spiritual guidance in your life and in the lives of your family members.  Pray in acknowledgement that the sports event is just a human distraction from the rigors of real life.  Yes, the sports event may be your "time out" from the drama of real life, but your act of "StandAndPray" is your action of acknowledging what really matters.  Stand and pray is your acknowledgement that you are always "time in" when it comes to your spirituality.

Romans 1:23  (NLT)  And instead of worshipping the glorious ever living God, they worshipped idols made look like mere people and birds and animals and  reptiles.