Basketball athlete Jeremy Lin admitted he had an amazing summer, but that he'd been a little lax at his praying habits. So he recently committed to praying out loud for 30 minutes a day. "I'm thankful that my prayer life has taken a big jump forward. Prayer has become more natural, and I feel closer to God through prayer," he shared.

Lin said vocalizing prayers aloud also helps with his concentration during them.

Following are some of the topics about which Lin just prayed.

His highlights included a trip to Asia, a great summer of training  and changing his basketball shot to his new form, as well as signing with a new basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets in New York. He also includes the birth of my nephew, Jaden, among his good times, along with getting quality time with my family and friends.

"Praise God for a chance to be healthy and play for the Brooklyn Nets," is what Lin recently shared on his prayer chain. "I've had a ton of fun being back in a position of leadership as the starting point guard of this team. It's natural to me to be a leader and I feel most comfortable in this position, so I'm extremely thankful for the chance to lead this team alongside Brook and Coach Kenny."

He asked that fans and friends pray for the upcoming basketball season. "Not only that we would play well and far exceed expectations, but that there would be revival on our team," he stated.

"I'm hoping my teammates come to Christ, that lives are transformed and that we experience God's power on AND off the court this season."

Lin asks for prayers that the Net team gels quickly in terms of building friendships and learning how to play with each other well on the court. "With many new players, many young players and a new coaching staff, we are all trying to figure things out on the fly due to lack of continuity from last year," he admitted.

The athlete said he also is praying for the United States, and social justice issues, as well as the presidential campaign. "I feel like this is a pivotal time for our country, and I pray that people would turn to Christ," he said.

He also lifts up 8-year-old Ava Lee in prayers, as she continues to fight cancer. This year, Lin met Lee, who is from Chicago. She was diagnosed with leukemia twice, and is fighting for her life every day. "The funny thing about this whole situation is that people think I'm the one who's making a difference in her life. Yes, I invited her family to our Bulls game, spent time meeting the family afterwards, sent hilarious emails throughout the year, visited her in Seattle and prayed for her and her family," he shared on Facebook.

"But whenever someone asks me about her, the only thing I really talk about is how much Ava has impacted me."