Anyway, there is something that I have been passionate about for a long time. Some of you may have seen my posts on facebook - tidbits of my thoughts concerning this subject. If you have, bear with me. If not, still bear with me.
Prayer in School!
So often I hear or read about how prayer in our schools has been banned by our government. "The problem with our society is that God has been uninvited." To that, I say hellooo. This is simply not true. That is something that Satan, the author of all lies, wants us to believe. Personal and individual prayer is legal and always has been! Anyone is allowed to pray in schools in the United States, as long as it is not officially sponsored by the school and it does not disrupt others from doing their work.
School officials may not gather the staff and students together in order to recite any type of prayer. Teachers are also restricted from leading their classroom in a mandatory prayer.
Does this mean that our superintendent and principals cannot start each day at their desks in a word of prayer for their students? NO!
Does this mean that our teachers can't start each day or each hour petitioning the Lord in behalf of all the minds and bodies that they are responsible for each day? NO!
Does this mean that students can't ask God each and every day to help them learn, help them trust, help them be safe, help them stand up for what is right, or simply express their gratitude for their education, teachers, friends and for the the new and amazing things that they are exposed to that may shape their future? NO!
Is there a time and place for prayer? Yes, when and where it is needed! No one can stop the private utterance of a prayer to our Father in Heaven. Not even in a public school setting.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not even illegal for a group to gather together in prayer as long as it is not disruptive OR mandatory.
Teachers can begin their days together asking the Lord to guide them to the children who need their help, to open the minds of the kids so that they may learn the things that is required of them as well as the things that will benefit them in their future or simply expand their minds.
Students can choose to get together outside of class time to petition the Lord for anything that they feel is important.
As a Christian parent, I can only hope that the people who spend more time with my children than I do recognize the value of prayer. I can only pray that they recognize that God is always available and ready to hear their prayers. And that they know that the government does not have the authority to prevent them from seeking HIS guidance in any situation!
It is also my sincere desire that my children know these things as well. To my kids - Pray! Ask! Beg and plead if you feel you must! If you need His help in the hallways feel free to seek it. If you are stuck on a problem while sitting at your desk or in front of a computer screen, by all means, petition the Lord. If you are thankful for your warm lunch, feel free to express it.
Prayer is NOT illegal in school! Not only that, I highly recommend it to all!
