There are lessons all around us. I wrote this prayer about life lessons in golf. Perhaps you can add more!
Almighty God,
We thank you for this occasion and for this game of golf.
For the way in which it invites us to step
outside of ourselves and to enjoy and
sharpen awareness of natural magnificence,
a dimension of your love for the world.
For the way in which it creates a small
group experience and invites us to do life in
relationships with others. We thank you for
those things that not only remind us of the
obligation we have to others, but also of the
pleasure of life together.
For the rules of golf that teach us that rules
don’t merely constrain and limit us, but that
in fact, they help to bring order and a way
meaningfully to measure progress. For the
ways in which the positive understanding
of the rules of a game helps us to be less
rebellious to the commands you give to us
and to value integrity.
For the ways in which golf teaches humility,
that we indeed are our own worst enemy,
that consistency is important and perfection
is never achieved, and for the ways in which
true humility can prepare a heart to receive
your grace and forgiveness.
For the way in which golf teaches that the
real competition in life is to improve oneself,
that life is filled with challenges and traps
and that every time we take a stroke, it is a
new opportunity.
For the Scottish and Presbyterian heritage
of golf, with its awareness of life’s challenges
and the test of character, its confidence that
there is always a way forward with God’s
help, and the anticipation of a clubhouse and
banquet at the end.
For Pete and Alice Dye, the gift of this
remarkable course, the gift of this day and
the privilege of taking time to give thanks.
In your holy Name we pray. Amen.
The prayer was given at an occasion in 2015 honoring Pete and Alice Dye, designers of the Long Cove Golf Club on Hilton Head Island.
