England does have a prayer in World Cup

Football has been compared to a religion by some – and now special prayers have been issued to help England supporters and others cope with the drama of the World Cup.

The Church of England has issued a "trinity" of three prayers for the global sporting event, two for the teams, hosts and fans and one for those indifferent to the beautiful game.

The prayers, for personal use and for church services, ask for blessings on all those involved, generous sportsmanship and for the competition to be a source of celebration.

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In one prayer God is referred to as the "Lord of all the nations, who played the cosmos into being" and in another God is asked to "smile" on South Africa and all the nations represented in the competition.

In the prayer for those "simply not interested" in the tournament, God is asked to give patience, understanding and sympathy, if necessary, during the event.

The prayers, issued less

than three weeks before England's opening match against the US

in South Africa, were written by the Bishop of Croydon, the Rt

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Rev Nick Baines and the Church's communications office in association with its national worship development officer, the Rev Peter Moger.

The Bishop Baines, a Liverpool supporter, said: "More than half the population pray at some time and everyone will be affected by the World Cup in one way or another.

"This isn't just about football; it's about the rainbow nations of the world celebrating together with the people of South Africa."