This week’s column: Prayer in Schools

Ok — everyone take a deep breath. We’re about to touch on another very fun topic — prayer in schools.
I’ve been reading Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala, pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle.
While reading about prayer, which most of the book is about, a section struck me straight to the heart.
“What does it say about our churches today that God birthed the church in a prayer meeting, and prayer meetings today are almost extinct?
“Am I the only one who gets embarrassed when religious leaders in America talk about having prayer in public schools? We don’t have even that much prayer in many churches! Out of humility, you would think we would keep quiet on that particular subject until we practice what we preach in our own congregations.
“I am sure the Roman emperors didn’t have prayer to God in their schools. But then, the early Christians didn’t seem to care what Caligula or Claudius or Nero did. How could any emperor stop God? How, in fact, could the demons of hell make headway when God’s people prayed and called upon his name? Impossible!
“In the New Testament we don’t see Peter or John wringing their hands and saying, “Oh, what are we going to do? Caligula’s bisexual… he wants to appoint his horse to the Roman Senate… what a terrible model of leadership! How are we going to respond to this outrage?”
The lesson continues, but I’ll let you get your own copy of the book and read it for yourselves.
I’ve never been a fan of prayer in schools — not because I’m not a fan of prayer or don’t believe in it. I just don’t think it belongs in schools.
If Christians are allowed to have prayer in school, so are Islamics, Buddhists, and Wiccans.
Personally I don’t want a Wiccan teacher telling my future children how to pray.
They will learn to pray at home, and it won’t be up to a principal or teacher to tell them when they can or can’t pray.
They’ll know, just like I did growing up, that when you feel the need to pray – do it.
Don’t wait on a teacher or principal to give you permission or set aside a time to do so.

eveningstar@hot.rr.com