THE boxing sport, like basketball, runs in the veins of the Filipino. Being a religious country, prayer is in the mainstream of the Pinoy's journey. Today, I want to take the opportunity to ask some questions, and hopefully, provide enlightening answers or provoking thoughts.
When does prayer, incorporated in boxing, become a spiritual practice or merely a superstitious exercise? Do not get me wrong... I am hopeful that the Pacman wins. Can prayer assure that? Or is prayer designed to grant us what we desire? Has boxing suddenly become a battle of faith... or a display of presumptions?
One camp claims that God is with them... or has it become a numbers game the more prayers, the greater the chance of a win. Has prayer in boxing become superstition when filled with bible verses? If prayer is now treated as a superstitious practice (pray to win no matter what), then there can never be authentic spiritual experience when there is no genuine surrender to God!
When is prayer in boxing 'superstition' rather than authentic spirituality? Consider my thoughts:
Prayer is being dependent on God...a surrender to His will more than negotiating a proposal.
Prayer is spiritual strength to display a Christ-like attitude in victory and in defeat.
Prayer is a request humbly filed-not a demand-letter proudly insisted upon.
Prayer is not a spiritual bribe but a Father-and-son talk. Free and family-style, not formal and boring.
Prayer does not desire greatness for ourselves but wisdom to glorify God.
Prayer is not just about words...it is worship of God in the heart.
Prayer is not about vengeance but about God's justice.
Prayer is not earning God's favor-it is enjoying God's presence.
Prayer is seeking God more than His gifts.
Praying is an exercise of faith that God will do what is right in His own eyes. Not a game of chance
Prayer is discovering God's way not insisting our ways
Though God honors quick praying and SOS messages. Prayer is designed for fine dining, for communing with God not fast food or hurried whispers.
Prayer softens heart and sharpens discernment rather than a gamble on false hope.
Prayer helps you give your best without claiming you are the best.
Prayer is not sending a curse to someone its being prepared to congratulate another on their victory
Prayer is being able to say enough and fade quietly and quickly when limits are reached. Prayer is giving others chance to win.
Is it okay for us to pray that the Pacman wins? Well, let us file your request at the throne of grace but surrender the verdict to God. If boxing teaches us to pray, that's great! I am hopeful that we fall in love with God in prayer....for life is more than just a boxing match. Actually without being morbid victory is more slippery than defeat.
Honestly, we almost learn nothing in winning yet mysteriously it is in defeat that we somehow learn to bow down low and without sour grapping we see a better perspective of life. I am not a sport analyst but I think the Pacman's defeated match over other boxers prepared him more in life than all his winning belt combined. We all wish our "Pambansang Kamao" that he would make it, and make the Filipino nation proud. His victory will somehow complete the joy we are feeling for the sparing of Mary Jane Veloso's life by the Indonesian President. This nation as what Nelson Mandela said is hungry for honor. Here is where all our prayers are needed -- a prayer for national humility more than a nation's desire for greatness. Soon, the boxing match will be over. The euphoria will fade yet the lessons and the people we have become in victory or in defeat will greatly define our spiritual journey. On the light side you may want to ask me as a Pastor is it okay to miss church on a Sunday......Hmmmm my scandalous answer is go ahead take a break see you next Sunday. I'm sure I can't see the fight because of my ministerial duties. Here's my cellphone (09177027052), please text me who won.
Thanks for reading my thoughts, I always write from my heart....Enjoy!