Dugout Devotion | No Cap, God Hears You

No magic words needed.

Read Matthew 6:5–15

Whether you’re in the dugout or heading home from the field, ask your players:

Have you ever tried to pray?
What do you think prayer is?
Do you pray before meals? What about before bed?
What kinds of things do you pray for?

(Fish? Family? Donuts? Guinea pigs?)

Here’s something wild: Jesus’ friends didn’t know how to pray either.
So Jesus sat them down and said, “Let me teach you.”

---

Let’s read what Jesus says about prayer:

Matthew 6:5–15 (excerpts)

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites.
They love to stand and pray where people can see them.
But when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray in secret.
Your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

When you pray, don’t just pile up fancy words.
Your Father already knows what you need.

Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.”

Ask your players:

Have you ever been told how to pray? Something like folding hands, bowing heads, closing eyes?

What if I told you there’s no wrong way to pray?

Eyes open? God hears you.
Hands in your lap? God hears you.
Laying in bed thinking? That counts.
Walking to the plate? That counts too.
Even if you don’t know what to say? God still hears.

Why do you think Jesus says prayer doesn’t need to be a show?

What kinds of prayers do you think God listens to the most?

(Hint: All of them.)

Hit it Home:

Prayer is just talking to someone who loves you more than you can imagine.

You don’t need magic words.
You don’t need to impress anybody.
You just need to show up.

So let’s try it.
Think of one thing you want to say to God right now.
Maybe it’s something you’re thankful for.
Maybe it’s something you’re worried about.
Maybe it’s donuts, rivers, fish, or your dog.

🙏 Pray this together:

Dear God,
thank you for hearing me,
even when I don’t have the words.
Thank you for my family,
for rivers and fish,
for donuts and dogs,
and for loving me,
no cap.
Amen.