From the Desiring God Blog on the Olympics

Pray for China During the Olympics

August 8, 2008 | By: Abraham Piper
Category: Commentary, International Outreach

This post is by a friend of ours working in Beijing.

* * *

For 1000 days, the countdown clock has been ticking, and now the day is finally here—the start of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 8PM, on this 8th day of the 8th month in the year 2008.

Yes, the number 8 is very auspicious in traditional Chinese culture. Having lived in this city for the past 10 years, it has been interesting to watch Beijing re-invent itself before these games—from slighly frumpy and insecure to brash and confident.

And now the city is ready. The buildings have been painted; the flowers (40 million of them) are arranged neatly; the cabbies have new uniforms; the volunteers are all smiling; and the security forces are in place.

What will the next two weeks bring? Fame and disappointment for athletes; fun and excitement for fans; ulcers and headaches for the leadership of the country as they work hard to live up to their promise of a "safe Olympics."

Another thing that the coming weeks will bring is prayer. To help with the worldwide prayer effort, I would like to recommend a resource that can be used during the games. "China Games and Beyond" (PDF) is a 40-day prayer journal designed to focus prayer on China during the Olympic and Paraolympic games that run from August 8 to September 17. (You can also order a hard copy.)

Each day features a specific sport and prayer requests for Chinese athletes and coaches as well as the Chinese church. Each entry also includes a meditation and prayer from John Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ and questions for reflection.

I have tickets to join in some of the sporting fun, including men's 100 meter finals, and men's basketball finals. I can hardly wait. But as thousands enjoy the games, my prayer is this—that we will be kept from the idolatry of athletes and the idolatry of country.

There is glory to be seen in these games, but it belongs to the Creator alone.

---