上帝也被徵召進入世足賽
許多英國足球迷深知長期的訓練，技巧的磨練和優秀的經理人並不能保證球隊一定會在南非舉辦的世足賽中奪冠。 英國客爾登教區主教，可敬的尼克拜恩斯，寫了一連串祈求上帝幫忙的禱告。
在之前的世足賽裡，曾經寫下的禱詞包括祈求足球金童貝克漢的腿傷能夠痊癒，以及懇求上帝施行大能抵擋像羅納度這種足球天才。然而自從2003年就擔任主教的 尼克拜恩斯表示，他寫的禱告不只與足球有關，也跟世界這個彩虹國度與南非人民同歡有關。 他說由於全球有超過一半的人會在某些時刻禱告，而且世足賽在某程度上也影響著每個人，所以寫禱詞給那些想要使用它們的人是合情合理的。 他寫下的禱詞於教會或個人皆適用。
三個禱告如下，首先：創造宇宙的萬民之主，求?引導，看顧和保護世足賽的所有工作人員 和選手。但願所有人都能在比賽中找到慶祝的源頭、人道精神的體悟、以及更加成熟的寬大運動家精神，阿們。 其次是，呼召祂的子民造福世界的萬民之主，願?祝福所有參與世足賽的人。 願?對主辦單位南非、參賽的國家、和共襄盛舉的世人們微笑。 第三，主啊！當全球瘋迷世足賽的同時，求?賜我們理解力，用耐心堅固我們並且賜下所需的同理心，阿們。
International：God Enlisted for World Cup
Many football fans in England are aware that months of training, honed skills and a capable manager does not guarantee success in the World Cup that is due to begin in South Africa soon. The Church of Englands Bishop of Croydon, the Right Reverend Nick Baines, has written a series of prayers to help get Gods help!
During World Cups gone by, prayers have been written for living British football legend David Beckhams broken foot to heal, and for God to show his might against the gifted likes of Ronaldo. Yet Bishop Baines, who was appointed to his current position in 2003, has made it clear that the prayers he has written are not about football only, but about the rainbow nations of the world celebrating together with the people of South Africa. He has said that, given over half the population prays at some time and everyone will be affected by the World Cup in some way, it makes sense to have some prayers for those that want to use them. He wrote them for either church services or personal use.
The three prayers are, firstly: Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all find in this competition a source of celebration, an experience of common humanity and a growing attitude of generous sportsmanship to others. Amen; Secondly: God of the nations, who has always called his people to be a blessing for the world, bless all who take part in the World Cup. Smile on South Africa in her hosting, on the nations represented in competition and on those who travel to join in the party. Amen; And thirdly: Lord, as all around are gripped with World Cup fever, bless us with understanding, strengthen us with patience and grant us the gift of sympathy if needed. Amen. |
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