Olympic curling had me geeking out, and it got me thinking about how it relates to prayer.
As I scrolled through the many options to watch during the Winter Olympics, I was captivated by Team USA's Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, who made history as the first American mixed doubles curling pair to medal, winning silver.
I have to admit, I was a little dumbfounded trying to understand the intricacies and language of curling. After all, the 60 mph speeds of downhill skiing and the artistry of ice dancing seem more immediately exciting.
But this event caught my attention, and I decided to dig a little deeper into the unfamiliar terms and strategies of the sport. So, I did some research. Fascinating! I've learned enough to bore my wife to death.
Bear with me...there's a point here; I promise.
Curling 101 - Why I Got Hooked
Curling is like shuffleboard meets bocce ball, played on specially treated ice.
Eight to ten rounds, called "ends," demand strategy, focus, and precise teamwork.
What grabbed me most was the sweeping, athletes frantically brushing in front of the sliding rock to adjust its speed and trajectory.
As I learned the terminology and strategy, it all began to click.
The excitement comes when a curler yells, "Curl. Curl! CURL!!!" and their teammate sweeps with everything they have to guide the rock perfectly into position.
The "Curl" Connection to Prayer
Here's the spiritual insight:
Just as sweepers influence the path of the curling rock, our prayers can guide events and people toward God's intended outcome.
Prayer first changes our hearts, and then ripples outward to impact others.
Sometimes the Holy Spirit whispers "Curl!"; other times He seems to shout it. Either way, that's your cue to sweep harder in prayer.
Your effort doesn't have to be massive; even small, consistent prayers can dramatically influence the trajectory of lives, relationships, and communities.
Sweeping With Faith
Sweeping doesn't require enormous faith, but small, intentional efforts can have extraordinary impact.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 17:20:
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.
Your prayers bend trajectories, redirect hearts, and change lives. Sometimes in ways you'll only see in eternity.
Imagine what happens when you pray for a student, a youth leader, or a school in your community.
Let's curl.
Next Steps - How to "Sweep" This Week
1. Pick one focus: Identify a student, leader, or situation that needs prayer this week.
2. Pray consistently: Sweep daily, even with small prayers.
3. Share & invite others: Encourage someone else to pray with you and watch how prayer begins to bend trajectories.
