The Bishop of Croydon, the Rt Rev Nick Baines has written a series of prayers for the World Cup. The first prayer calls for all who work and play in the tournament to be guided, guarded and protected and that fans will find the tournament a ‘source of celebration’. In his second, Bishop Baines asks God to smile on the host country, South Africa, and all those who travel to ‘join in the party’. Another, written for those with no interest in the game, asks that they may be granted ‘the gift of sympathy’. The Church of England's Bishop Baines, a Liverpool fan, said: ‘More than half the population pray at some time and everyone will be affected by the World Cup in one way or another, so it makes sense to have some prayers for those that want to use them.’ Pray:for all those involved directly or indirectly in this major event both in South Africa and around the world. (2Ch.30:23)