In the previous post in our series on prayer, we focused on the "why". Today, we are going to be looking at another 'w' question in the form of "where": Where should we pray?
Well, let's find out.
The Setup
Most players know you play hockey on the ice. You get changed in the locker room. And you probably travel to the rink in your car. Unless, of course, you are my father who always would say, "When I was your age I walked to the rink in the snow, uphill both ways." I don't know how this is possible, but he said it.
Whether you are a hockey player or not, most people can tell you where certain players play on the ice. The goalie plays in the crease. The wingers play on the wing. The coach stands behind the bench or with his foot on the boards if he is exceptionally revved up. We all know these places where things "usually" take place. Not always, but many times. Identifying where something is located or typically happens oftentimes helps us to figure out what the thing is.
But, in the case of prayer, this doesn't always seem to be the case. Take a look at the following verses and notice where the prayer takes place:
Anna prayed in the temple - Luke 2:37
"and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day"
Daniel prayed in his room - Daniel 6:10
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."
Jesus prayed on the mountain - Luke 22:39-41
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,"
Jonah prayed in a fish - Jonah 2:1
"From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God."
The Answer
These verses show prayer can take place anywhere! There is no special place you have to go in order to call out to the Lord your God. You don't even have to pick up the phone...or text...to get a hold of God. Since He is everywhere, you know that He will always be available. You never have to worry about bad reception.
There is a quote that goes something like this:
"The right place to pray is wherever you are"
I don't know who said that or where it came from, but it couldn't be any more spot on. The best place to pray is right where you are. The important point is not where you pray, it's that you pray.
The Close
So, if it doesn’t matter where we prayer, let's close with looking at some typical places a hockey player finds himself which would be excellent places to pray.
In the car before or after the game
The car ride to and from the rink is a great place to spend some time with God. It doesn't have to be the whole ride, but try spending at least some time away from the headphones and talk to God.
In the locker room before a game or practice
Hockey players spend a lot of time in the locker. This time is a great time to prepare for games and practices, as well as spend some good time with teammates. It can also be a time to prepare your mind & heart for the upcoming challenge you may be facing. Plus, it just might spark interest from your fellow teammates. Can you say instant opportunity to tell them about who this person is you pray to?
On the bench
Hockey is a fast paced game. Mistakes are made, it happens. We mess up either in our play or actions. Taking 20 seconds on the bench after a bad shift or penalty to ask God for forgiveness or to calm your nerves goes a long way. You don't even have to close your eyes or get on a knee. Just pray a silent prayer in your head right on the bench. (This is especially helpful if you happen to be benched)
So, what did we miss? Do you have any spots that you like to pray as a hockey player?
You can read part 3 in this series now.
