Formed by the Game: 30 Days of Seeing God in the Liturgies of SportSample

Pre-Game Meal

The pre-game meal is a ritual every athlete experiences. It fuels the body for the physical demands ahead and sets the tone for focus and preparation. Athletes carefully choose foods, hydrate intentionally, and sometimes gather with teammates or family to share the moment. Coaches emphasize timing, balance, and nutrition, while parents may provide encouragement or reminders. The pre-game meal is more than sustenance; it is a rhythm that signals readiness, discipline, and intentionality before the game begins.

Spiritually, the pre-game meal can serve as a liturgy of preparation. Paul reminds us that even the simplest acts, eating or drinking, can be done for God’s glory. Preparing our bodies to compete mirrors the spiritual preparation required for life’s challenges. Just as athletes approach food with intention, we are called to ready our hearts, minds, and spirits for the day ahead. Gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional focus on God transform ordinary routines into sacred practices.

Next time you sit down for a pre-game meal—or any meal before a task, season, or challenge—consider using it as a liturgical moment. Offer thanks for the food, the energy it provides, and the opportunity to serve God with the gifts He has given you. Reflect on your intentions for the game or day ahead, asking God to align your focus, effort, and attitude with His purposes.

The pre-game meal teaches us that preparation is both physical and spiritual. By integrating gratitude, mindfulness, and intentionality, what seems like a simple meal becomes an act of worship and readiness, setting the tone for excellence and faithfulness in every arena of life.

Prayer:
“Lord, help me to prepare my body and spirit with intention. May every meal, especially before a challenge, be a moment of gratitude, focus, and readiness to honor You in all I do. Amen.”