New Orleans is a football town, and we love the Saints. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a game or being a fan, there are many in this city who live and die by their favorite team. Instead of Sunday being a day set aside for the worship of the Lord, it has become for many a day of celebration of the Saints, complete with dress, rituals, rites, celebrations, and laments. For many, sports are an idol that contends for the attention and loyalty of the believer.
PRAYER: Father, it’s easy for us to make excuses when the culture is on our side. But Lord, you teach us to be in the world but not of the world. And so we pray that you would reveal to us our idols and show us where we’ve put sports before you and your word. Further, Lord, please reveal to your people in this city the emptiness of all idols that we would put in place of you. Amen.