(Accredited Independent Sports Chaplain)

Hi, my name is Jennifer.
As an independent  sports chaplain I provide spiritual and pastoral care to professional and amateur sports men and women. I am accountable to Sports Chaplaincy UK whose aim is to achieve excellence among all forms of sports chaplaincy that exist.

Please see prayer requests below:

For Peace:

Heavenly Father, Prince of Peace,  you are the Lord of light. I pray for peace in a world of  conflict and violence.  I pray for  for all who live in fear and lament with all who are affected. I pray for peace from the God of Grace.  Hear our prayer as we pray for peace today. 

Finances:
Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”

Proverbs 13:11 “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

The Bible warns against the temptation to hoard our wealth – “render unto Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar”. (Like 12:21).

Gambling issues: Heavenly Father, I intercede for this athlete who has become addicted to gambling. This activity is now illegal because it is now taking over sport. Please help this athlete to admit to their problem and find the support they need to stop gambling, repay their debt and deal with underlying problems in their lives. Amen.

Father, God please strengthen the resolve  this athlete/sports person struggling to control a gambling habit and experiencing serious problems with their finances, relationships and mental health. May they find the support and strategies they need to recover all that was lost. Amen.

During Social injustice due to Racism: 
Our Father who art in heaven, I pray in the name Jesus Christ who reached out to the woman at the well from the outcast village of Samaria. You, Jesus, saw no barriers and gave light to the blind and freedom to those in prison. Help us to break down the barriers in our community. Help us to see the reality of racism and ignorance, and free us to challenge and uproot it from ourselves, our society, and our world.

During COVID-19:  Heavenly Father I pray for your health and well-being as opposed to concerns about wealth.  All of our lives have been impacted and are adjusting beyond our imagination due to the onset of Covid-19. What a comfort to depend on and look the Father in heaven who is sovereign over all and “is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 42:1)

Before a sporting event: Dear Lord, Please take this moment in this sport persons life to give you the glory and praise. Take their passion for their sport and let it light up with your love. Take their hours of training and commitment to more excellence. Please use their talent to bring joy and inspiration to others. Take their desire and make them be the best in their sport. Speak your truth and hope through me. In Jesus name, Amen

For healing: Dear heavenly Father, what a wonderful name is the name of Jesus and it is in His name that I pray for healing for this athlete today. You designed their body from the top of the head down to the tips of their toes. I pray for encouragement to help them get through – however long it takes to deal with this injury. Please send encouragement from your messengers and send, through this prayer, a miracle of your healing touch either by the medical care offered or supernaturally. Thank you for your wonderful working power and loving compassion you give to this athlete today. Amen.

For direction:
Heavenly Father, You have watched this sporting person grow within the care of their club, and also have helped them to flourish and to find their own way. Bless them today as they go into this sporting event. May they seek to be the best they can be, encourage themselves to new excellence. Come guard their hearts, their mind and their soul with the gentleness of your grace, so that they will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. In the name of Jesus I pray.

After a defeat or poor result:
Holy Spirit, I thank you for this athlete who was protected from physical harm. I pray for your hedge of protection because this result has hurt their morale. I pray that they continue to play to the best of their ability, and be that vessel of hope to others. I pray for wisdom, and an attitude of acceptance as they remain in your Grace despite the result. Amen.

Through troubling times:
Our Father who art in heaven, I pray that this athlete rests underneath your mighty wings of love. Allow this person I am praying for to dwell within your gentle heart. I know there is healing in your touch. Through the sufferings of Christ I can ask for restoration in this athlete thoughts. I trust in the goodness of Christ, Jesus. You are our Lord, and the Saviour of the world. Because you are our healer and our friend I pray that this athlete is allowed to dwell within your gentle embrace. Amen.

Suffering due to bereavement:
Our God of love and mercy, embrace this athlete whose heart overflows with grief. Comfort their minds as they battle with unanswered questions and such a sense of loss. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days and give them the reassurance that their position within the team is safe because everyone is looking forward to their return. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Because you are going through a relationship break-up:
Dear heavenly Father, your words represents your love for us as your children. The scripture says, “The Lord is near to those who are discouraged. He rescues those who have lost all hope.”  Dear athlete,  the Lord is listening to your hurts and striving for you so that you are comforted.  You may be asking yourself, “Why is God allowing me to hurt?” We all need to understand  that this is when Christ Jesus wants a relationship with us. I pray that the spirit of  Hope and Peace which will allow you to move on following on from the break up in your relationship. Amen.

Contact me for more information:

Certificates:
The FA Safeguarding Children Certificate
Reflexology Diploma certificate
Physiotherapy Attainment
Cognitive certificate (CPD)

ADVERTISEMENT:  Success, Love and All written by Jennifer Valentine-Miller is listed under the short play category. The play has a sports theme with an inspirational message. The voice actors performing are Alexandria Stevens, Shane Stevens, Norma-Jean Strickland and Eric Bond.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer was one of  the few Black British sports personalities emerging from the late 1970’s, during a time when sports was frowned upon because it was seen as non-academic. As well as representing Arsenal Ladies FC in Europe during the 1990’s, she graduated from county Essex level to represent Team GB and for resourcing purposes the Caribbean Islands & France  as an Independent athlete (at World, Commonwealth, Olympic, and Grand Slam. Represented women’s football for a brief while at Dagenham and Redbridge FC.