Prayer can be defined in simple terms. It is the addressing and petitioning of God. It is offering up our desires to God for things that are agreeable with His will. Christians pray in the name of Jesus. We confess sins, offer praise and ask God to grant to us the blessings we need or desire. We ask for His mercy, grace, compassion, love, and protection. We acknowledge His power and love. We pray in need and we pray in praise.
This morning I watched as a few hundred teens (7th through 12th graders) gathered at a flag pole to pray. They were not praying for the flag, for the pole, or anything to do with those secular symbols. They were praying for peace, love, goodness, joy, and forgiveness. It was uplifting to watch them bow their heads, read scripture and meditate on that which is godly before they started their typical school day.
For those that say bring back prayers in school. I say it never left. I say people still pray. I say as long as there are test, trials, hurt, celebrations, competitions and opportunities for mercy there will always be prayer in schools. More than anything I wish there was prayer in homes. Maybe there would be more prayers in public places if there was more prayers in private places. However, let’s remember that Jesus makes the point that we should not worry about prayers in public places to be seen of men. Jesus says, “go to your private room, shut the door, and pray” (Matthew 6:5-8). Whatever the case PRAY!
What a blessing to be on campus this morning to watch and witness students praying. They were not there to be seen of men or other students, they seemed to be there because they want to communicate with their God. Now that is a powerful point.
For the Lord.
Alex