Charlotte Hornets point guard and outspoken Christian Jeremy Lin has revealed that as the new year kicks off, he is focusing his prayers on his teammates who don't have a relationship with God.
"Please pray for our team that the Holy Spirit would soften the hearts of my non-believing teammates and to sanctify the lives of the believers," Lin wrote in an email sent to his digital prayer group titled "Jeremy Prayer Requests".
The 27-year-old athlete went on to request prayers that his team's Bible study, which he started last month, would "grow in vulnerability, accountability, and community."
Lin asked that people pray for love, peace and healing in the world for those affected by tragedies and natural disasters. He noted, in particular, two individuals named Cathy and Ava, who are battling with their health and needed prayers for "supernatural healing, as well as tremendous peace and joy through tribulations."
The athlete also asked fans to pray that he would find his contentment and joy in God regardless of difficult circumstances around him.
"Praise God that I feel closer and closer to a breakthrough in terms of being content where God has put me. Please pray that I continue to stay on this path," he wrote. "Psalm 16:5 and Ephesians 2:10 have been helpful verses for me to find and maintain joy, regardless of life's circumstances."
In concluding his email, Lin praised God for the holiday season, making particular reference to Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
"We received the greatest gift we could ever receive in Jesus Christ, born to us as a child to die on the cross for our sins and rise from the grave to overcome sin and death," he wrote.
On his website, Lin said he decided to start his prayer group after a number of his supporters inquired about ways they could intercede on his behalf.
"The journey I've been on has had its ups and downs, and I appreciate all of your support throughout. Some of you have asked how to pray for me, so I decided to start a prayer group where I can send out requests for those that want to pray and support," Lin wrote.
"Please feel free to share with others you think would be interested. So much of what happens is out of our control, but prayer has been a place I have consistently found peace with God."
In last month's email, the NBA player revealed that he is dealing with a lot of emotional issues right now, and only prayers can help him.
"As a very emotional person, I know it can be a quick change from being in a great place mentally/spiritually to worrying and being anxious about my life and future," he wrote before asking fans to pray that he would maintain a positive state of mind.
