This year’s prayer service that I am praying with all the student athletes at The College of St. Scholastics answers the question, “What should you be?” The Scripture and stories shared during the service are not just for young men and women who are striving to excel in athletic pursuits but they are for all of us as we strive to be our best selves.
Be Persistent: Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
There is a story about a stonecutter who, day after day, hammers away at a rock. He strikes the rock perhaps a hundred times or more before seeing so much as a crack. Yet with just a few more blows the rock splits open. It wasn’t that last blow that caused the rock to break in two, but all the chiseling that happened before.
Recall a time when you wanted to quit but didn’t. What kept you going?
Be Believing: I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
A small seed lay buried, feeling the darkness and the weight of the earth. Despite doubt, the seed remembered the sun and believed in the promise of growth. It pushed upwards, one tiny root at a time, until it broke through the soil, a small sprout reaching for the sky. The seed’s potential, once hidden, was now a vibrant reality.
Recall a time when you believed despite uncertainty. Where did your belief come from?
Be Positive: Do not let your hearts be troubled. – John 14:1
There are two types of people. Negative people and positive people. Anchors and Motors. Anchors keep us chained to our past. They find fault with everyone and everything. They judge, complain, blame, and pull us down. They walk into a room and drain us of our energy and enthusiasm. Motors are just the opposite. They remind us of our strengths. They are positive, nourishing, and uplifting. They believe in us and encourage us to learn from our mistakes, applaud our victories, and inspire us to pursue our dreams.
Recall a time when you were a motor. Recall a time when you were an anchor. What helps you to keep a positive outlook on life?
Be Bold: Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. – Ephesians 6:10
Mother Benedicta Riepp was only 27 years old and had been a Benedictine Sister for a mere eight years when she volunteered to leave her monastery in Bavaria for the new world called “America.” She and her two companions, braving the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, arrived in wilderness of St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania in 1852. Despite the barriers of language and customs, enduring deplorable living conditions, battling anti-Catholic sentiment, and having little or no money, Mother Benedicta established a convent of Benedictine Sisters in North America.
By the time of her death and after only ten years in America, Mother Benedicta is credited with establishing six independent communities of Benedictine women.
Recall a time when you were bold in your actions. Where did that boldness come from?
Be Ready: You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. – Matthew 24:44
In a field one summer’s day, a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to her heart’s content. An Ant passed by carrying an ear of corn he was taking to his nest.“ Why not come and play with me,” said the Grasshopper, “instead of working so hard?“ I am saving food for the winter,” said the Ant, “and I recommend you do the same.”
“Why bother about winter? It is so far away.” said the Grasshopper. “Come, play with me!” But the Ant went on his way and continued to prepare. When winter came the Grasshopper had no food, while Ant ate from food that he stored. It was then that the Grasshopper knew the importance of being ready.
Recall a time when you were prepared for an event. Recall a time when you are unprepared. What does it take to be in a state of preparedness?
