On 13th January we met at ITFC for a ‘Together For Ipswich’ meeting at which representatives from Ipswich churches and Christian groups get together to look at ways of working together across our town in the future. It’s a time of change and challenge as key figures have moved on and there are different emphases with national insurance contribution changes and the cost of living rises affecting many charitable organisations. After significant discussions, it was suggested that we pray over the pitch.
So, several of us opened the doors and went through from the ‘Premier Suite’ to stand on the ITFC terraces. It was dark and strangely silent, with a few swooping seagulls making their presence known under starlight. Prayers were offered – not for victory – but for blessing for the team and the whole ITFC organisation, what it means for the town and for what it is doing for the community. Prayers were spoken and silent. Thanks were given for the memories of over forty years ago when the ground had been the location for the Billy Graham crusade, those who had come to Christ through those meetings and all they had contributed to the Kingdom since.
It was a lovely moment of thanks for the past and optimism for the present. As I celebrated the promotion to the Premier League this weekend, I reviewed the matches since 13th January. Ipswich Town hasn’t lost at home since.
Maybe we’ll have the opportunity to pray over the pitch earlier next season!