Prayer Olympics

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As a (formerly) fluent speaker of Chinese who majored in International Studies/East Asian Studies in college, I am particularly fascinated that the Olympics are being held in China this year. See and savor Jesus Christ on a journey through China in prayer (from the WorldMagBlog):

What will the next two weeks bring? Fame and disappointment for athletes; fun and excitement for fans; ulcers and headaches for the leadership of the country as they work hard to live up to their promise of a “safe Olympics.”

Another thing that the coming weeks will bring is prayer. To help with the worldwide prayer effort, I would like to recommend a resource that can be used during the games. “China Games and Beyond” (PDF) is a 40-day prayer journal designed to focus prayer on China during the Olympic and Paraolympic games that run from August 8 to September 17. (You can also order a hard copy.)

Each day features a specific sport and prayer requests for Chinese athletes and coaches as well as the Chinese church. Each entry also includes a meditation and prayer from John Piper’s Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ and questions for reflection. …

There is glory to be seen in these games, but it belongs to the Creator alone.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will move in lives to lead many to salvation. Let us also learn from the athlete's example of giving our all, for

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may win.
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.
They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
(I Corinthians 9:24-25)

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance
and the sin which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of faith,
who for the joy set before Him
endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Amen.