
Navy vs. Army Football Game Begins With Powerful Prayer
By Movieguide® Contributor
The annual Army vs. Navy football game occurred last Saturday in Washington, DC., and United States Military Academy Chaplain Colonel David Bowlus led the stadium in prayer.
The chaplain began his prayer by reading from Psalms 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
“God, we gather with hearts full of gratitude and pride as we witness America’s game,” he prayed. “The 125th contest between Army and Navy. This tradition reflects not just the spirit of competition but the enduring ideals of our nation of self-service, sacrifice and commitment.”
“We stand in awe of these cadets and midshipmen who are willing to lay down their lives for every spectator in the stands,” Bowlus continued. “May their grit, teamwork and violence of action today demonstrate our resolve to defend our country tomorrow and as long as we have breath. Lord, we trust these athletes and this game to you, not only for its outcome but for the character it shapes and those who compete.”
“Be the great helper as they battle on the fields of friendly strife and inspire each of us to lift up our eyes to you in all of life challenges,” the colonel concluded. “Bless these warriors. Bless those who cheer them on, and God bless the United States of America. In your name, I pray, amen.”
The stadium erupted in cheers and was led in the National Anthem by “the combined three clubs. The United States Military Academy and United States Naval Academy.”
The Navy Midshipmen would take the win against the Army Black Knights in a 31-13 victory.
Per USA Today, “Navy quarterback Blake Horvath was the star of his team’s win, rushing for 204 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, an average of 8.2 yards per rush. He added 107 passing yards and two touchdowns. With the win, Navy earned the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy outright for the first time since 2019.”