See You at the Pole?

Wednesday, September 23, marks the annual "See You at the Pole" student prayer gatherings at our nation's schools.

J. Brent Walker, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, writes about this event in The Washington Post:

How to Pray at School

This week, millions of students all over America will attend "See You at the Pole" prayer meetings in public as well as private schools. The annual event leads students to gather around their school flagpole for prayer on the fourth Wednesday of September. First begun by Texas Baptists almost two decades ago, "See You at the Pole" has spread across the country, and it now garners participation by students of many denominational ties. It is important to highlight this program because it provides an example of how students can properly engage in religious exercises, even in the public schools.

As the Supreme Court pointed out, "nothing in the Constitution as interpreted by this Court prohibits any public school student from voluntarily praying at any time, before, during, or after the school day."

"See You at the Pole" prayer meetings - along with Bible clubs, prayer before meals and tests and silently throughout the day and neutral moments of silence - provide ample opportunity for students to communicate with God while at school.

It is important, however, to understand some areas of concern and possible pitfalls.

For the complete article, click here.