This sporting life

Revised August 2021

In Singing the Faith

A number of hymns in Singing the Faith draw on images of athletic endeavour (from Hebrews 11 and elsewhere).

May the mind of Christ my Saviour (StF 504), with its last verse also derived from words in Hebrews – “let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

The head that once was crowned with thorns (StF 312) sings of the pursuit of glory through endeavour and suffering. The image of Jesus' “crown of thorns” offers a striking contrast to the Olympian laurel wreath.

Jesus, all for Jesus (StF 555) by Northern Irish songwriter Robin Mark, in collaboration with Jennifer Atkinson. Their words pick up on the theme of ambition and hope that underpins all athletics competitions. Very simply, the song says that, by surrendering our “ambitions, hopes and plans” into Jesus' hands, we will experience the freedom that derives from God's love and grace.

Take my life and let it be (StF 566). Here is a text that embraces our physicality and the very great potential of our bodies. In verse 2, for example, we pray:

Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

On StF+

At the time of the 2004 Games in Athens (pictured above), Methodist hymn writer Andrew Pratt was inspired to write his hymn The witnesses are watching (website only)  With words that draw on the meditation on lives of faith in Hebrews 11, Andrew's hymn reflects Olympic and Paralympic ideals as well as the image of the 'Christian race'. His words include the fruitful idea of Christ as 'pace setter'.

What other hymns are appropriate for worship reflection around sporting events? If you have suggestions, do get in touch by emailing us at stfplus@methodistchurch.org.uk.