Bishop Libby is encouraging us all to pray ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 final between England and Spain

The Church of England's lead bishop for sport was in York for General Synod when she watched England's thrilling penalty-shootout victory over Switzerland.

 
And she posted simply 'Go England!' on Facebook following the semi-final win over the Netherlands that put England's men into their first-ever final on foreign soil.

Here is a prayer you can use ahead of this Sunday's final:

God of grace and mercy,

for all that gives us joy and offers us hope,

we give you thanks.

We rejoice that we are brought together,

across our rich and vibrant diversity, in celebration and shared experience  -

and we pray the goodness of all that will last long beyond Sunday (whatever the result).

You know the desires of our hearts,

and we know those hopes are echoed in hearts across the Netherlands.

And so, as we turn to you again in prayer;

we do not ask for victory (though we are honest in naming that we want it) –

rather we ask, once more, that striving for excellence

will be marked by humility and fair play

and rooted in respect for others, on and off the pitch.

May our desire to win not overwhelm our common humanity

and may we, finally, find our hope and peace in you,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.