By David Gold

Christine Ohuruogu with flag in Beijing_1June 27 - The Church of England has created a special prayer for London 2012, read in a podcast by Olympic 400 metres champion Christine Ohuruogo, who is from the capital and a devout Christian herself.


The 27-year-old reads the following words, which were composed by Reverend Christopher Woods:

'Eternal God,
Giver of joy and source of all strength, we pray for those who prepare for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For the competitors training for the Games and their loved ones,
For the many thousands who will support them,
And for the Churches and others who are organising special events and who will welcome many people from many nations.
In a world where many are rejected and abused, we pray for a spirit of tolerance and acceptance, of humility and respect and for the health and safety of all.
May we at the last be led towards the love of Christ who is more than gold, today and forever.
Amen'

Churches are putting on special events to commemorate the Games, and the hope is that the prayer will inspire athletes competing in next year's event.

Ohuruogo said :'It would be good for the churches to feel involved in the Games rather than thinking, 'Oh it is just sport, we don't really care too much and we don't understand'.'

"I think sport is a great way for you to develop a belief system.

'I think that sport is very good at mirroring our personal lives - being determined and finding strength where you do not necessarily think you can find strength.

'Faith has always been important for my sport but also helping me as a person so I can perform at my sport better.'

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