Formed by the Game: 30 Days of Seeing God in the Liturgies of SportNäide

Warm-Ups

Warm-ups are a ritual every athlete knows well. Stretching, jogging, ball handling, or skill drills are repeated with intention, preparing the body for the demands of the game. Coaches emphasize proper technique and focus, knowing that these small, often unseen routines prevent injury and enhance performance. Parents and fans wait with patience, understanding that the “real game” begins only after preparation. These moments, though ordinary, carry great significance—they set the tone for excellence and readiness.

In the culture of sport, warm-ups become their own liturgy. They are repeated rhythms, often done without fanfare, that shape athletes’ habits of body and mind. But this liturgy can also teach the wrong lessons: to rush through preparation, to view the unseen as unimportant, or to treat discipline as a box to check rather than a tool for growth. Skipping or skimming through warm-ups may seem harmless in the moment, but over time, it erodes the foundation needed for peak performance.

Spiritually, warm-ups offer a powerful metaphor. Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Just as athletes cannot skip warm-ups and expect to thrive in competition, we cannot neglect spiritual disciplines and expect to endure faithfully in life. Prayer, Scripture reading, reflection, worship, and cultivating a heart aligned with God are our “warm-ups.” They ready us for the challenges ahead, steady our focus, and prevent the injuries of pride, distraction, or despair.

Next time you find yourself stretching, practicing, or warming up before a game, let it remind you of this spiritual liturgy. Preparation is not wasted time; it is an intentional act of stewardship over what God has entrusted to you. Warming up teaches patience, focus, and attention to detail. It reminds us that strength and endurance are built in ordinary, consistent moments long before the crowd is watching.

By viewing warm-ups as a spiritual rhythm, we recognize that God uses preparation—physical, mental, and spiritual—to shape our character and deepen our dependence on Him. What feels small and repetitive is, in reality, the foundation for resilience, excellence, and lasting faithfulness.

Prayer:
“Lord, help me to prepare my heart, mind, and body with intention. Teach me to use every small act of discipline and preparation as an opportunity to honor You and grow in strength, focus, and faith. Amen.”