It is an occasion where there is friendly sporting competition between the countries of the Commonwealth. HM The Queen is Patron of the Commonwealth Games Foundation. She, or her Royal representative, read a message at the beginning and/or end of every Commonwealth Games.
The Queen’s Baton Relay was a tradition initiated by the Queen in1958. Her message is inserted inside the baton. After it has been carried to every Commonwealth country, it arrives ready for the Opening Ceremony at the Games. The baton is currently making its way around the Commonwealth nations.
See thecgf.com
Pray:
‘Anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules’. 2 Timothy 2:5 NLT
‘Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.’ Proverbs 28:10 NLT
Father God, thank you for the way that sport brings people together for competition and an opportunity for people of different nations to meet. Thank you for the people that lead, organise, facilitate and enable the Commonwealth Games to function as it does. We pray that it would continue to be a prestigious sporting event in the world.
Thank you for HM The Queen’s position as head of the Commonwealth, and therefore Patron of the Commonwealth Games. What an amazing idea to promote the games by using The Queen’s Baton Relay to link hearts and minds as athletes around the world prepare to converge. Thank you for the tremendous influence that HM Queen Elizabeth and her family have in promoting sport and sporting achievements in this way. Grant her your heart and mind to continue to inspire athletes and those who are a part of the Commonwealth Games.
In the light of recent drug scandals in sport, we pray for the Commonwealth Games. We pray that each competitor and country represented will know well, thoroughly and abide by the rules of the games and the competition. We pray earnestly that each athlete will stay above the stipulated conditions. May honesty and integrity be uppermost amongst the minds of all the competitors. We pray that the Commonwealth Games will be untarnished by disrepute and shine out as an ‘exceptional’ arena to complete. As a result of this, reward these athletes with medals to celebrate their victory, work, and integrity in the world of the sport.
Thank you that the Royal family as a whole have an interest in sport and the Commonwealth Games. Thank you that they too encourage sporting achievements – personal, community-related and internationally too.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
See related posts:
Head of State of 15 Commonwealth Realms