School Prayer

Some of our kids and teenagers have already begun the trek to school each morning and the rest will follow this week. Parents are packing lunches, battling car lines, and anticipating long nights of ball practice, games, and homework. The 2023-2024 school year is underway. I know some are excited and others are apprehensive, but either way, it is here. I hope it is an amazing year for each and every one of our students.

In 1962 the Supreme Court made a ruling that school sponsored prayer was unconstitutional. The practical way that has played out is that the school itself cannot mandate or force prayer on anyone. However, it had a similar affect as the great persecution that arose in Jerusalem following the stoning of our brother in Christ, Stephen. The church was scattered and most would expect that they would hide, afraid to be seen as followers of Christ. Instead, they “went around proclaiming the good news of the word” (Acts 8:1-4).

Since the ruling of 1962 there have been plenty of people who have prayed in school. Some gather early in the mornings to pray. Some gather after school. Some teachers and students still bow their heads at the lunch table. Others have lined up to say prayers before the sporting events. In other words, you can’t really take prayer out of schools. And you can’t take God out of them. God is omniscient and you don’t have the power to remove Him from anywhere. God’s people are found everywhere as well. And where His people are, there will be communication with Him.

So as you go back to school—whether you are a parent, teacher, or student—keep praying.

Pray for the students who will struggle with the subjects they study.

Pray for the sportsmanship and the safety of the athletes that will take the field or court.

Pray for the leaders of the school who make tough decisions.

Pray for the teachers as they attempt to impart knowledge and wisdom to the students eager to learn—and those that aren’t.

Pray for the coaches and their staff as they not only teach them how to play games, but that they will also teach them life-lessons that will be carried the rest of their lives.

Pray for the teachers of the arts—that their love for music or artwork can inspire another generation to create.

Pray for parents in the carpools, the stands, and the PTA.

Pray that love permeate throughout each and every school.

Ben