Churches across the county are putting their faith into football with the release of prayers to mark the forthcoming World Cup finals.
The two prayers, which currently appear on the Church of England's local and national websites, are likely to be used in many parishes across Warwickshire.
Diocese spokesman and Bishop's Tachbrook vicar the Rev Mervyn Roberts said: "The C of E take
s all aspects of life seriously and for that reason has introduced the prayers.
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Click here to email your report"Although initially somewhat surprised myself to see prayers about sport on the website, on reflection I think it makes sense. For some of us sport is an important element in the enrichment of life and is therefore a gift we should give thanks for."
But when asked about the chances of success for England at the World Cup Mr Roberts remained tight lipped.
He said: "We won't pitch in with an answer to that one. We stay firmly on the touchline. The prayers we are using focus on sportsmanship, safety and enjoyment rather than on any specific divine plea for victory and there is not one mention of a metatarsal, so they are general enough for anyone to use, even if you don't support England. Our prayers are designed to support world peace and harmony but anyone adding an extra player asking for divine guidance for our nation's soccer stars wouldn't be excommunicated by us."
The Church of England's football prayers.
Lord God, the source of all life and joy, recreation and skill, we pray for all involved in the World Cup,
and especially for those who represent our nation: for good health for the players, for high standards of sportsmanship and fairness, and for the safety and well-being of all who will watch, that in our shared enjoyment of the game, we may rejoice in the one who came to bring life in all its fullness, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of work and play, Lord of all the nations, guide, guard and protect all who work or play in the World Cup. May all who watch or engage find in this competition a source of celebration and a recognition of what it means to be made in the image of the One who played the cosmos into being. Amen.
