Extend the Invitation
Talk to a few players from the opposing team and invite them to join you for prayer after the game. Make sure they know everyone is welcome, but nobody is expected to participate.
UNITED THROUGH FAITH
Compete as Rivals.
Pray as One.
No matter the sport or the final score, we want to encourage athletes from opposing teams to come together in prayer after their games. It's a simple act that we hope to see more of at schools across Texas and beyond.
WHY WE STARTED
The game ends.
The circle brings us together.
“See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I've spent a lot of time at Texas six-man football games, and one of my favorite things to see happens after the game is over.
Players from both teams, along with cheerleaders and coaches, gather together to pray. It doesn't matter who won or lost. They're coming together for something that's more important than the final score.
Those moments are what inspired Circle Up Sports.
Our mission is to encourage athletes from opposing teams to come together in prayer after their games, no matter what sport they play. We also want to recognize and celebrate the teams that are already doing it, because those are the examples that can encourage others.
We're not suggesting that anyone should feel obligated to participate. We simply want more athletes to extend the invitation and give others the opportunity to join them.
We're starting with Texas 1A schools because those are the schools and communities we know best. But we'd love to see these prayer circles at schools of every size, all across the country.
NOT EVERY CIRCLE LOOKS THE SAME
United in Prayer.
Forged in Faith.
Proverbs 27:17 says iron sharpens iron. Sometimes the circle is made up of the teammates who know us best. They understand what we're going through, know when we need encouragement, and are often the ones who help strengthen our faith. There's something special about coming together in prayer with those closest to us, knowing we're helping strengthen one another in our faith.
JOIN THE CIRCLE
One invitation can start something bigger.
You don't need an organized program or a special event to get started. Whether your team already gathers in prayer or you're hoping to start, we encourage you to invite others to join you after the game.
Gather as One
Once the game is over, gather everyone who wants to participate and pray together. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate. Just let the students lead.
Help the Circle Grow
If someone takes a photo of your prayer circle, we'd love for you to share it with us, with everyone's permission. You never know when seeing your team come together might encourage another team to do the same.
Already circled up?
Show us.
We'd love to see photos and hear stories from teams that gather for prayer after their games. If you have something you'd like to share, send it our way! We may feature it here or on our social media pages.
