One more powerful story from the Super Bowl...
MIAMI — Suddenly, in the middle of the celebration that had the locker room buzzing after the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl XLI victory, Tony Dungy had an announcement.
They were not leaving Dolphin Stadium without one more piece of business. A prayer.
Dungy had the TV cameras in the room shut off. The interviews with maybe a dozen reporters still lingering stopped. The pictures players were snapping of each other holding the Lombardi Trophy needed to wait.
"Wait a minute, Coach. Some guys are in the showers," someone yelled from the back of the pack as players made their way to the center of the room.
A few seconds later, Bob Sanders and a couple of others emerged wearing towels.
Then it was so quiet the proverbial pin drop could be heard.
Dungy prayed.
With the team's chaplain by his side, the Colts coach gave thanks for the players' health, expressed joy that the team stayed together through adversity.
Holding hands, the team joined him in unison to recite The Lord's Prayer.
"Like we've done all year, we just fought, hung tough and everybody did their job," Dungy told his players. "And when everybody does their job, it's a beautiful thing to watch. We're champions. We brought it back to Indianapolis. And we're going to party tonight. We've got some days off. We'll see you tonight at the hotel. Great job."
photo & story courtesy usatoday.com/sports, 02/05/07
God's Story
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about prayer?
Championships are won with great coaching and teamwork! In the past two weeks, we have heard how the Colts totally trusted Coach Dungy and talked to him to get instructions and encouragement, especially when facing adversity.
In today's verse, Paul is making sure we understand how important prayer is for any of us who are followers of Jesus Christ. He is our coach. If we are to experience victory in our lives when facing temptations, tough times and attacks from Satan, we must talk to Jesus for instructions and encouragement.
Paul says we should pray at all times. One way to do this is to remember that the Holy Spirit is with you all the time, waiting to lead and empower you. Have the attitude that you're hanging out together, ready to talk or listen anytime.
Now don't miss this - Paul says that believers should be persistent in praying for each other! If we all did this, picture our team victories!
Jesus is ready to lead us to victory!
My Story
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
Thank God for His Holy Spirit. Thank Jesus for being your ultimate coach as you strive to live a victorious Christian life! Express your desire and need to talk with Him about anything and everything. Tell Him what's on your mind right now....listen.
Memorize today's verse as a reminder to "talk to the coach".
Read Acts 2:42-47 to get another powerful story on the importance of Christ's followers praying together.
If you are not part of a small group of believers who pray together regularly, form your own prayer team. This might be at your school, through your church youth group or in your neighborhood.
Their Story
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?
Pray together once a week with a group of Christ followers. Share your lives, your hopes and fears, and the purpose of connecting your stories and God's Story to others in your part of the world.
For the next month, every time you see an athletic event - live or on TV - talk to THE COACH for a minute and listen.
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