top of page
Search

PRAYER FOCUS: Arts, Entertainment & Sports

One of the seven major US cultural influences in society is arts, entertainment and sports. Much money, time, talk and resources revolve around them.


As with anything, we need to be careful to redeem the time.  Like Paul warned the Ephesians [5:15-16] ...


Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
 

Feb. 28th - Video Games [Self-Controlled or Controlled?] Part II

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Time – how much spending? Is it best use of time? Is time wasted? Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. [Eph. 5:16-17]

  • Content – Would Jesus play this with me? Why or why not? Does it help or hinder a person’s walk with the Lord? Could you play this around children?  I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. [Ps. 101:3]

  • Boundaries – What type of margins should one apply for costs, time, who to play with? If sitting, for how long for your health? [Refer to 1 Cor. 6:12]

  • Personal Challenge: Honestly answer the following questions before playing: Will it edify or entertain me? Am I  obeying self-will or God’s will? Does the game glorify God? Will playing result in good works? Does it help me exhibit self-control? While playing, does it redeem the time? Does it pass Phil. 4:8 frisk test? Will playing fit in with your life goals? Does it help give an eternal focus?

 

Feb. 27th - Video Games [To play or Not to Play?] Part I

Prayer Points/Scriptures: Entertainment Software Rating Board [ESRB]; Ratings: EC; E; 10+; T; M; A; RP; Rating Categories: Use of Substances; Blood/gore & Violence: 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.; Hosea 4:2 2 There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Humor: Proverbs 17:22 -  A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. And Ephesians 5:4 - 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.; Language: Colossians 3:8 - But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips Gambling: 1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Nudity & Sexuality: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” (Ephesians 5:5)Game Developers & Those Rating the Games: Ps. 11:5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

Personal Challenge: Review the categories above used by the ESRB to rate video games.  Which ones should you not play if they have those elements?

 

Feb. 26th - Celebrities in Music, Sports, Movies, Theaters

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Musicians – Salvation; more songs pure, inspire, encourage, express what we can’t but better, keep them from temptation; deliver them from evil, higher standards & morals in how they live and conduct themselves in performances [Ps. 68:25 & 1 Chron. 15:16]

  • Athletes – safety & protection, perform ethically, same sex only play in high contact sports, teamwork vs. self-promotion, ethical, moral standards, salvation, able to overcome temptations of fame, fortune & fans [1 Cor. 9:24 & 1 Tim. 4:8]

  • Actors/Actresses – salvation, able to play roles with moral standards, courage to say no to parts that promote evil, able to overcome temptations, balance family/work life, better role models, delivered from evil, protection from fans & paparazzi  [1 Jn. 1:11 & James 1:22-25]

  • Personal Challenge:  Pick your favorite musician, athlete and actor and pray for God to reveal Himself to them and deliver them from evil.

 

Feb. 25th - Grammys, Emmys, Oscars

  • Prayer Points/Scriptures: Repentance;  Salvation;  Less people listen and/or watch Romans 12:1-2; Reached with the Gospel in many ways including visions of Jesus Christ;  Arguments upended by the Truth 2 Cor. 10:3-5;   Unholy Award Ceremonies Performance fizzle out; more people abhor it and speak up about it; Ecclesiastes 7:5;  Reformation of the Grammys - James 4:4; You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

  • Personal Challenge:  Pray for one secular music artist who doesn’t know Jesus.  Use the following Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.  Dear Lord, Thank you for being the only way for us to receive salvation from the punishment for our sins. Please open ____’s heart to see the truth that You are the only way of salvation. Allow him to comprehend that the only way he will be saved for all eternity from the punishment for his sins will be by trusting the name and redeeming work of Jesus Christ. In Your Holy Name, Amen

 

Feb. 24th - TV Cable & TV networks

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Staff – [writers, directors, owners, costume, make-up, etc.] salvation, higher standards, believers share their faith; Christians pray together; model their faith; better morale, not fall prey to many temptations, lust of the flesh, eyes & pride of life. 1 Jn. 2:16

  • Parental Guidance Ratings – TV-Y; Y7; Y7FV; G; PG; 14; MA [V-Violence, S-Sex, L-Language, D-suggestive dialogue] Parents and viewers pay attention to ratings; have boundaries what not to watch; those rating the shows do so with integrity; children, teens and parents agree to discuss why shows negatively impact them. Col. 3:5-8

  • Hollywood Prayer Network – more people commit to pray vs. complain; more join the network [it’s global]; more resources for those in the entertainment industry to stay pure; specific guides with prayer points that meet the needs of the entertainers/staff; model Christlike behavior among unbelieving entertainers. Col. 4:2-6

  • Personal Challenge: Next time you complain about a show, take the time to ask for forgiveness then pray for all those who put it together. Phil. 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing

 

Feb. 21st - Streaming Services

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Content Filters - Clear markers that show content rating for music & shows; services provide more programming based on healthy choices; strong parental controls - Psalm 101:3 (NIV)

  • Charting Site – Simple navigation to choices based on personal preferences; able to find cleaner shows & music early on; not push evil agenda; Eph. 5:11-15 [NLT]

  • Consumer Costs  – services charge reasonably; consumers recognize amount spent on entertainment; addiction doesn’t pre-empt paying for needs; Prov. 21:20 [NLT]

  • Personal Challenge: Whether you use a streaming service, choose one of the top video and music and pray the consumers cry out for cleaner material and the streamers meet that desire.

 

Feb. 20th - Web Site Break due to Family ER

 

Feb. 19th - Christian Music

Prayer Points/Scriptures: 

  • Lyricists – able to be creative in their lyrics; words would reach believers to encourage, comfort, challenge, convict; messages would reach unbelievers with the Gospel[James 5:13]; 

  • Artists – creative ways to sing the lyrics in a way that captures the hearts of the hearers, health/safety over their vocal chords, balance of time with family/friends and time with the Lord, able to resist temptation, remain humble [Col. 3:16]; 

  • Musicians – Able to play unique sounds from their instruments, unified, able to play together with harmony and creativity that supports the singers; clever & innovative ways to make sounds that glorify God; protection from demonic influence [Ps. 150:3-6];  

  • Record Labels – Able to distribute to new groups beyond; creative marketing to reach the lost; protected from the love of money; Godly wisdom in running the business; able to find best singers who can reach the world for Christ and encourage believers to worship & praise [1 Chron. 15:16]

  • Personal Challenge: Pray for your favorite Christian artist.  Pray for those involved with the current song/lyrics that ministers to you right now.

 

Feb. 18th - Secular Music

  • Lyrics/Content– not evil propaganda, not from the devil, promotes good not evil, have better ratings for parents and adults, more messages that promote inspiration, healthy love, kindness to others, that songs containing violence, swearing, sex, alcohol & drug abuse, be labeled and banned, for higher standards in the industry

  • Singers/Musicians – sing & play honorable words; less motivated by violence, sex, vulgarity and debauchery; protect their voices, help musicians support the singers(s) and other band members; for their salvation, deliverance from drugs/alcohol, love of money & immorality, for the public to cry out for good models

  • Listeners – Christians challenge the lyrics against Phil. 4:8 [true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise]; to ask would Jesus listen to it; for unbelievers to censor the lyrics; to look at what they listen to and question it’s value and affects in their lives; parents review content of what their children listen

  • Personal Challenge: What secular music do you listen to? What does it cause you to think on – things of the earth or heaven? Good or evil? Tempted to do something against God’s will or to appreciate God’s talents to those who put together the song?

 

Feb. 14th - Movie & "Live" Theaters

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Movie Theaters – less R rated; more family friendly films; clean environment; volume remains safe for ears; more movie goers choose better content; corporations who own the franchise of theaters have higher moral standards; patrons conduct themselves with respect to others; cell phones off; salvation of workers, managers & owners; sex not allowed in theaters; ensure under age not watching R & NC17  - Ps. 101:3

  • Motion Picture Association of America [MPAA] – rates films appropriately; public outcry for better films, less indecency, more G & PG rated films; PG rated films not include R rated material, keep within the boundaries of each rating - 1 Cor. 6:12

  • Stage Theatres – patrons choose clean performances; more family friendly acts; platform allowed for Christian as well as secular talent; safety of performers; salvation to owners, managers & performers; types of plays not immoral; contains healthy humor; thought-provoking not incite hostility; artists who sing or dance or do something creative is clean; doesn’t encourage immorality; patrons show appreciation for performers – Col. 3:5

  • Personal Challenge: Next time you watch a movie at a theater or at a live stage, pray for the people involved and the content portrayed.  When driving by a theater, lift up a prayer for it to be used for healthy entertainment.

 

Feb. 13th - Christian Film Industry

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Audience – more people watch, reaches secular and Christian viewers, receptive, shares with others, promotes them to believers/non-believers; brings to Christ and/or grows in faith; 2 Peter 3:9

  • Films – creative, unique, innovative, compelling, persuasive, quality acting/filming, secular and Christian actors perform well, scenes challenge arguments against God; 2 Cor. 10:5

  • Gospel – preached without shame; clear, penetrating, creatively presented for different age groups; Rom. 1:16

  • Directors/Producers – Choose content that will make people think about the Lord, purity vs. immorality, courageous faith, right decisions in a dark world, challenge both the believer and unbeliever to grow in the knowledge of God; 2 Peter 3:18

  • Personal Challenge: Consider your choice of films.  Are you supporting the ones that promote the Gospel? Choose one of the top Christian film producing companies from the list above and pray for them. 

Feb. 12th - Secular Film Industry [Garbage In Garbage Out or Good In Good Out]

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Staff  – saved, delivered from evil, set free from addictions, higher standards, better morals, transformation and reformation in the industry [Col. 3:17 & 2 Cor. 5:17]

  • Content – better material, family friendly, inspirational, thoughtful, provoke to good behavior, documentaries that inform without inciting violence, healthier scripts, clean humor, creative ideas that foster better citizenry, less sensational, more educational; responsibility to help not harm people nor children [Prov. 17:22; Luke 17:2]

  • Influence – less images of violence, murders, accidents, blood, gore, stabbings, disturbing images, sexual situations; viewers recognize real from fiction; monitor quantity and quality of films; aware how it impacts sleep, dreams, feelings, mental health, fears; more so in children Ps. 101:3a; 2 Tim. 1:7; Prov. 3:31

  • Personal Challenge: Next time you choose a film; stop before watching, pray you will turn off anything that is offensive to God and then pray for those who made the film.

 

Feb/ 11th - Fairgrounds

Prayer Points/Scriptures: 

  • Concerts & Shows – [strolling entertainers, clowns, jugglers, live bands; ] family friendly, G/PG rated; not risqué;  Psalm 101:2-3

  • Livestock Show – [FFA and 4-H youth Jr. Livestock Auction select, purchase, feed, and groom livestock to be  real life stock to be, graded and sold at fair; include steers, lambs, hogs, rabbits and poultry] Prov. 12:10

  • Exhibits competition – [Home Brew Contest, Preserved Foods, Home Arts, Ceramics & Plaster craft, all Crafts, Miniatures, Models, Collections, Fine Art, Photography and all Youth & 4-H] Ex. 35:10

  • Horse Racing -  [Thursday through Sunday Live Satellite Wagering watch, bet live horse racing from all over the world in only simulcast wagering Facility in the High Desert region of California] Prov. 13:1

  • Wheel2Wheel Raceway is a 1/8 mile 7 degree banked oval dirt raceway located at the SBC Fairgrounds in Victorville. W2W races speedway sprints, dirt karts and mowers throughout the entire season.  1 Cor. 9:24 & Phil. 2:3-4

  • Personal Challenge: Whether you choose to visit the county fair or not.  Take a moment to pray for it, when you hear it or others advertise.  Pray for the law enforcement, the staff, the bodyguards, and all the young and old who participate in the events.

 

Feb. 10th - Christian vs Secular Concerts

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Environment – people consider where venue held; what type of people will attend; what will be allowed/not; worship of God or man - 2 Cor. 3:17 vs James 3:16

  • Purpose – bold gospel messages, worship encouraged, clean entertainment preferred over those promoting evil; fans recognize the motives of the artists/bands - 1 Thess. 2:4 vs. Prov. 21:2

  • Safety – security guards, people prepare for potential dangers, drugs, drunkenness, open sex prohibited; educate audience before concerts, safety precaution signage posted conspicuously; Prov. 18:10 vs. Prov. 14:16

  • Personal Challenge: Read this article Christian Concerts vs. Secular Music Events: What's Different? (fanawards.com). Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you when deciding and paying for attending a concert.

 

Feb. 7th - Superbowl & Half Time [Sports & Entertainment]

  • Teams – Chiefs/Eagles; pray for the Christians athletes to be bold in sharing their faith with godly behavior & not fall prey to temptations; for Chaplains to reach the non-believers for Christ; for their salvation; open doors; open hearts. Hold to high standards in behavior before/after the game.  [Romans 1:16]

  • Viewers – behave respectfully, praise the players who demonstrate good sportsmanship i.e. helping opponent off the ground; giving team glory when a win is made; not yelling at refs; take the opportunity to share their faith with those they are watching with; filter what they watch before game; commercials & during half-time. [1 John 2:15-17]

  • Performers: Kendrick Lamar [strong language] main performer; with SZA [sensual videos] and Jon Baptiste [Christian] sing National Anthem [Ps. 101:2-4]

  • Athletes in Action hosts a breakfast before the game; pray for the gospel to be shared; able to encourage other athletes to join; for speakers to honor God and share their faith boldly; for the organization to reach their dream to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport, in every nation and able to help athletes find a relationship with Jesus and use their platform to make a difference in the world. [Matt. 28:19-20]

  • Personal Challenge: If you plan to watch the game, pray in advance to avoid the temptations from the performances, commercials and game upsets.  Ask God how you can be a good model of Christ, if watching it with others.  If you aren’t watching it, pray for people to not imbibe in ungodly behavior and for believers to be bold in witnessing their faith on the field.

 

Feb. 6th - Speedways Auto & Motocross

Podcast: Praying for the Fans, Racers, Tracks & Ministries focused on Auto & Motocross racing·        

  • Drivers – salvation, Christians model Christ well & with integrity/purity; able to overcome temptations; safety when driving; their pit crew & helpers safe & alert

  • Fontana Auto Club Speedway – continues to be free to televise & say the invocation; the cross remains the center of the activities; safety to fans/track staff; gospel shared boldly; fans won’t idolize instead appreciate talent, skill & courage

  • San Bernardino Stock Care Speedway – safety to all racing & supporting the race on tracks; alcohol restrictions before/during/after races

  • Motocross Glen Helen Raceway – extra precautions for those on the bikes, enforcement of safety gear, dirt prepared properly; orderly conduct on/off the track; prohibition to drugs and alcohol before/during/after the race

  • Christian Race Ministries – Racing with Jesus & Beyond Checkered Flags

  • Personal Challenge: If you attend or watch any of these types of races, pick a team to pray for.  If you do not, consider choosing one of the raceways to cover in prayer.

 

Feb. 5th - Most Watched Sports in US Podcast

Podcast: Praying for Extreme fighting, Fans, Betting, Professional Athletes, Christian Athletes

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

Extreme fighting [MMA, UFC, Boxing] goal is to physically harm the other person until they are knocked unconscious or incapacitated. Pray for their salvation, whether God would endorse this type of fighting.  (1 Corinthians 10:31). So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  What does the Bible say about extreme fighting / violent sports? | GotQuestions.org

Fans – not idolize, not elevate over God, not obsessed with teams/games, harboring hatred against other fans for opposing teams. 1 John 2:15-17  Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Betting – fantasy sports, gambling, addiction, what’s the motive, would God endorse it  Should a Christian participate in sports betting? | GotQuestions.org  1 Tim. 6:9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

Professional athletes – be a good model, avoid drugs or steroids, cussing, fighting with the opposing team, physically abusing women, sexual impurity. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Christian athletes – not let it become an idol; keep identity in Christ not the sport; passion more on Christ than winning; good witnesses of their faith; good mentors to younger athletes, donate time & money to charities; (1 John 5:21); Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts

 

Feb. 4th - Focus on Most Watched Sports in US Podcast

Podcast: Praying for the Main Sports Watched in the US - Football, baseball, soccer, hockey, and auto racing are most watched

Prayer Points/Scriptures:

  • Owners – protect their staff/teams; not cut costs leading to dangers; not love money; healthy business deals, high standards. [1 Timothy 6:10] For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

  • Advertisers – cleaner ads especially at major events watched by so many; more moral standards [Isaiah 5:20] What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

  • Players – safety, play ethically, high integrity, avoid enhancing drugs, build camaraderie, family time [Ps. 25:21] May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.

  • Spectators – healthy rivalry, not idolize, avoid arguments over best team, time balanced with family, friends & God. [2 Timothy 2:23-25 ESV] Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth

  • Personal Challenge: Do you watch any of the most preferred sports in the US? If so, how much do you spend in watching, betting, or buying sports team paraphernalia? How much time do you spend viewing it? Ask the Lord to show you if it’s crowding out time with Him or those you love and/or spending more money than you have? Check out How should a Christian view sports / athletics? | GotQuestions.org – consider safety not just winning; build team spirit, encourage self-control in practice and play, build morale & character; same standards expected for all players [Proverbs 25:28 ESV]

 

Feb. 3rd - Focus on Arts, Entertainment & Sports

  • Prayer Points/Scriptures:

    • Used for celebrating and honoring loved ones skills/gifts or solely for selfish pleasure? 1 John 5:21 keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

    • Is what you are watching healthy or tempting you to sin? Psalm 101: 3  I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

    • Would Jesus watch this with me?  Colossians 3:17  - And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    • Is it causing me to be addicted? My time spent foolishly? Or am I using it to fellowship with other believers, share the Gospel with people or simply have some clean fun? Titus 2:12  - Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

  • Personal Challenge: Identify how you participate in arts, entertainment and/or sports. Which ones are solely for pleasure and which ones can you minister to people? Allow the Holy Spirit to shine light on your involvement with them; what to keep, what to discard. What to moderate.

Comments

Need Prayer? Share your need our team will pray for you.  Want to join our team? Provide contact info.

© 2023 by Train of Thoughts. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page