(RNS) — Just before the tip-off of a May 18 playoff game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, Pastor Danny Grover stood in a spotlight at center court holding a microphone.
“Strong and faithful God,” the pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Elk City, Oklahoma, began, “as we come together for this contest, we ask you to bless these athletes. Keep them safe from injury and harm. Instill in them respect for each other and reward them for their perseverance.”
Then Grover asked God to be with the fans, too: “Help us to cheer on our teams with dignity. Lead us all to the rewards of your kingdom.”
As he concluded his prayer, the crowd of more than 18,000 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City responded with amens and cheers.
The Thunder ended up losing the game in double overtime. But win or lose, Grover said he relishes the opportunity to deliver the invocation, which he has been doing about once a year for the past eight years for the NBA team.
“I don’t think you can ever have too much prayer,” the Oklahoma City native said in an interview this week, noting that the prayer he read was adapted from the “Book of Blessings.” “We live in a godless time, and I’ve had Catholics and non-Catholics in the ar …