It will be a nervous wait for the nation, even though we carry the favourite tag given the way we have played so far. However, complacency is also an arch enemy that stalks nearby and number 1 world ranking means so little when it is 24 years since you won your only World Cup and the expectations of all are upon you.

Stuart Weir from Verite Sport in the UK has a friend who gave him the following 10 suggestions on how to pray for sport as a player and for how a game may unfold.

1. Pray for energy and focus to perform at your best level consistent with your training and skills.
2. Pray to play to the max and to the end within the rules.
3. Pray that all may be protected from career threatening injury.
4. Pray that the best team (team strength, team skill, team coordination and team spirit) may be revealed by winning.
5. Pray that by your spirit and example Christ is honoured.
6. Pray that you will so respect your opponents that they become friends after the contest.
7. Pray that all forms of cheating will be exposed and punished.
8. Pray that a new generation of people will be inspired to follow and participate in your sport.
9. Pray that you may draw your team members and opponents to follow Christ as Lord.
10. Pray that on retirement you can look back at your sporting life with no regrets.

In Luke 11:1 the disciples say to Jesus, "Lord teach us to pray".

May we reflect on what our attitude might be and how we might pray both before this very important game and afterwards - win or lose !

Blessings,
Andrew Kerr
Convener - Christian Sports Network NZ

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