Religious Freedom: Prayer in School
There is a quote by an unknown author that even President Ronald Reagan used a version of in a national speech. It says something like this, “As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school.” As humorous as that quote is, there is nothing funny about the fact that a simple 22-word prayer was removed from schools on June 25, 1962. The United States Supreme Court decided that day that the simple prayer constituted government-sponsored prayer, and so they removed it. A door was opened to a full-blown attack on Christianity in the public school system that has grown worse year by year.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6; ESV)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
Student-led prayer is not illegal. Encourage your children to pray at school in a group with their friends, over their lunch, with someone in need. (My daughter once prayed for a teacher’s broken arm to be healed and it was! The teacher loved her after that and returned to church and her faith in Christ, as a result.)
Pray that teachers and administrators will be open to prayer in their schools, that those who are Christians would boldly pray for students as they see needs, and challenge laws that prevent it.
Intercede for parents to encourage their children to pray in school and to set an example by praying publicly in other places, such as restaurants, etc.
Pray that Christians run for School Board positions and change the regulations in their districts, as well as work toward changing legislation affecting education in their states.
A prayer you can pray:
Father, expand the knowledge that student-led prayer is not illegal in school! The enemies of the cross may rail against it and challenge it, but it is our first-amendment right. Embolden our children to honor You despite any peer pressure. Help them to see the many needs around them and to step in and ask if they can pray. Stir Christian school parents, school administrators and teachers to encourage their students to pray. We call forth those that You have gifted with an ability to govern to take their places on school boards, so that they can affect education in their communities and states. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Today’s decree:
We decree the school doors are open to freedom of prayer and exaltation of Jesus!