Grace perhaps, a sportsman changing sides (6)

I believe the answer is:

prayer

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'grace perhaps' is the definition.
(I know that Thanksgiving is a type of prayer)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prayer that I've seen before include "Earnest request" , "Devotion" , "Supplication [ital]" , "Request (maybe to God)" , "Collect - petition" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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