Schoolfamily.com - Helping parents help their kids succeed at school

Comments

1. Posted by - Sue on Feb. 25, 2012

   I love the response from Jenny who said that prayer already exists in school. A prayer can be done at anytime. The difference with prayer LEAD in school is that the staff decides whose prayer is said or that everyone must participate. To me that is a world of difference. If I choose to post the Lord's Prayer in my classroom, I am forcing my values on my multicultural students. To me, it would be the same as a teacher from the middle east posting an Islamic prayer in their classroom. How many white Americans would support that?

2. Posted by - Chantal on Feb. 24, 2012

   Well, I do go to a private Catholic school, so it's pretty much a curriculum.

3. Posted by - Nedra on Feb. 09, 2012

   We homeschool our 5 children. We recite the Lord's Prayer, The 10 Commandments, & have a prayer & devotion each morning. We believe that prayer should be allowed in schools. Our country was founded on the Word of God......we should not allow this to be taken from us. God will not bless a country that has turned its back on HIM. Just look around us, watch the news, read the newspapers, we have no morals & we are not raising a generation to have any either.

4. Posted by - Catrina Holmes Mayhall on Feb. 07, 2012

   To whom it may concern; I feel that prayer should be allowed in school. If we take a look back in the previous years schools were more in control and there was less behavioral problmes. But when a person does not have to work with children they wouldn't understand. Children these days need prayer everyday all day. There are many children that live in homes that are filled with domestic violence, drugs, abuse etc. but there are many people who could care less if it's not happening to them. I Pray in the Name of Jesus that Prayer be allowed back in school In one of the Ammendments doesn't it states freedom of speech. Whether an Athiest or not Prayer should be allowed in school As long as the prayer isn't being forced for you to say it or read it then an Athiest should not have a problem with prayer.

5. Posted by - Dawn on Feb. 04, 2012

   As long as there are tests, there will always be prayer in school--anon.
   
   No one can stop another person from praying in school. I can pray silently to myself, under my breath and in my heart and no one can take that away from me, my children, or anyone. If you don't believe, you don't have to pray; but just as an athiest does not want to be forced to pray, we should have the same right TO PRAY!!!!!

6. Posted by - Demetri on Feb. 03, 2012

   I think that is ashame. What about the students who do believe in prayer. That is what wrong with this devilsh world today. If she doesn't believe in it then ignore it. WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH PRAYER?????UGH.......................

7. Posted by - Mary on Feb. 03, 2012

   I believe that prayer should be in all schools, public buildings, Government Offices, at ball games and all public gatherings. If prayer were said more our country would not be in the shape its in now children up to adults would have more respect for others and themselves. Our Country was born on Religious Freedom and we are destroying this because one or two people are offended. I pray to God for our Government Officials every day that they make the right choices.

8. Posted by - Sarah on Feb. 03, 2012

   So one person is offended and the prayer is taken off the wall...then everyone complains that our Christian rights are being taken away...if you look at the poll, the question is: Where is the 80% of you that stand for Christian rights? We need to quit complaining and start standing up (in a loving Christian way)!

9. Posted by - Star on Feb. 03, 2012

   I think prayer should be allowed back in school.
   If you dont want to pray, sit down & shut up, it should just be a moment, nothing said outlook, after the Pledge.
   Thats the way It was when I was in school & we didn't have the problems in school, the way they have today.
   Its sad that so many things have been taken out of schools, b/c it offends someone, that's life, no one is going to agree on everything.
   Put God back in school, things would turn around...

10. Posted by - somani abdul malik on Feb. 03, 2012

    Prayer at school at the time of assembly is a mental and spiritual feeding for the upcoming acadamic classes and give power to the student i.e. "WILL POWER", we do prayer everyday in the assembly.

11. Posted by - Jenny on Feb. 03, 2012

    Prayer is something we can do anywhere....so, of course prayer is allowed at school. All a child needs to be taught is to utter a quiet prayer to God at the quiet moments thru out the day. I would not want someone else teaching my child how to pray and what to say to God.

12. Posted by - JM on Feb. 03, 2012

    If you are not familiar with what is inscribed at the top of the Washington Monument and how the Capital, White House etc were laid out in cross form then you need to check the history on this grand monument and know that indeed our forefathers believed in God they just didn't want there to be" just one religion" dictating.
    
    LAUS DEO
    Do you know what it means?
    
    One detail that is never mentioned is that in Washington , D.C. There
    can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.
    With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc., this is worth a moment or two of your time.. I was not aware of this amazing historical information.
    
    On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington , D.C. , are displayed two words:
    
    Laus Deo.
    
    No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably
    couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo 's history , you will want to share this with everyone you know. These words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
    
    Laus Deo ! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most
    successful nation in the world.
    
    So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say 'Praise be to God!'
    
    Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States , it was not until1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo 'Praise be to God!'
    
    From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may
    take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into
    four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant ..... a
    perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
    
    A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and
    state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in
    the Constitution. So, read on. How interesting and, no doubt, intended
    to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice.
    
    When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the
    discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the
    founder and first President of our unique democracy 'One Nation,Under God.'
    I am awed by George Washington 's prayer for America .... Have you ever read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on!
    
    ' Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the
    United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts
    of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
    government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one
    another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.
    And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all
    to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that
    charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the
    characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and
    without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can
    never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech
    Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
    
    Laus Deo !
    
    It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every
    sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense,
    because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably
    never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have
    pity on those who will never see this because someone failed to send it

13. Posted by - Till on Feb. 03, 2012

    I DO RESPECT EVERYBODY'S RELIGION OR NON-RELIGION, WE ALL SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OUR VALUES, MORALS, AND PRINCIPLES,RESPECT OF OTHERS,ETC COME FROM GOD. WHAT BETTER PLACE THAN SCHOOL TO HAVE
    PRAYER IN.
    SOME THINGS IN LIFE NEEDED FIXING, SUCH AS SOCIAL AND
    CIVIL RIGHTS, ABUSES, ETC AND MANY OTHER INHUMANE THINGS TO EACH OTHER. BUT TAKING PRAYER OUT OF SCHOOL, NOW THAT'S A FAILURE OF MANKIND TO CARE ABOUT THEIR FUTURE, THEIR PRESENT, AND THEIR PAST.
    WE KNOW OF SOME MOVEMENTS IN THE PAST, AND IN THE PRESENT TO GET PRAYER BACK IN SCHOOL.I PRAY DAILY FOR THEIR BEING SUCCESSFUL, AS WELL AS SIGN EVERYONE THAT COMES BY. OBVIOUSLY OUR FOUNDING FATHERS AND OUR FAMILIES FROM LONG AGO KNEW MUCH BETTER THAN WE DO. THAT'S ALONG WITH THE MANY ADVANCES WE'VE MADE IN THE WORLD, AND WE'RE SO PASSIVE AND CLUELESS IN THE MOST IMPORTANT ARENA OF OUR LIVES. THE PRAYER FOR SURVIVAL. LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WOMAN WHO WAS ABLE TO GET PRAYER OUT OF SCHOOL. SHE DIED A VERY
    HORRIBLE DEATH.

14. Posted by - Cherise on Feb. 03, 2012

    I am confronted by things I don't want to see and hear daily! People who curse, obscenities written in public places, people who speak against my God everyday. I can't make them go away! So why does someone have to be offended by a simple prayer and have that removed. There are more of us who love God and are blessed by his word, than there is of people don't want to see His name. Let them deal with their lives and allow us a minute to be blessed. What happened to freedom of speech. I should be able to pray, post a prayer, post a poster with a scripture, in the same way that others post their obscenities for everyone to see! God was removed from the schools and now we have killings and massacres there instead. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered. Let God, Let God arise.

15. Posted by - Laura on Feb. 02, 2012

    The majority of children and their parents want school prayer. Why do we always have to pander to a small majority. Don't say it. I have to listen to music and posters I find objectionable at stores. If we reacted to every single persons likes or dislikes what a mess this world would be in although maybe that is what is happening now.

16. Posted by - anne on Feb. 02, 2012

    someone needs to start a petition on change.org. regarding the need of prayer- someone articulate just to see how far it will go around the US. They have so many going around, perhaps a home/or priviate-school assignment

17. Posted by - Wanda on Feb. 02, 2012

    When you remove GOD from anything you are opening the door for satan to come in. That is what he has done; take the shooting on the campus at West Virgina school. I remember, when I was in school, we started each day with prayer and the day went a whole lot better. We tried it both ways. The days without prayer went a whole lot worse. If, anyone wants to add prayer to the begining of the school day I have no problem with that; the ones that do not want to be involved, should be able to excuse themselves, until after prayer is over. To GOD be the GLORY.

18. Posted by - Debbie on Feb. 02, 2012

    Personally, I think sense prayer was taken out of school it has taken away a lot of values. This Country was based on" In God We Trust." Why is it if someone doesn't want to see something, it has to be removed, why cant they just turn their heads? Why do we have to let go of everything we believe in? Why does it not matter that it offends "us", not to have prayer in school, or any public place? Any public restroom I have ever been in has all kinds of rubbish written on the walls, or doors. I choose not to read this rubbish, that is my choice, But I know that no-one cares enough to make a stink about having it all removed! And that is ok? Wrong! But Write a prayer on the wall and call it offensive? What is that? Crap! That's what! Im not telling any one that they should or shouldn't believe in GOD, or any specific religion, but I also don't think they should be able to tell me not to! America is FREEDOM...This is part of it, Live and Let Live! And stop trying to change what good we have left in this" Land of The Free", that we live in! God Bless America, and EVERYONE in it!

19. Posted by - Ron on Feb. 02, 2012

    There is a time and place for everything. Schools are for educating children in academic subjects.. Churches are for religious activities. If a parent wants to mix the two aspects, there are religious schools that will gladly do that. I have a child in Kindergarten and I don't want her subjected to the christian mythology. I agree with Alex in that if a child wants to say a private, silent prayer, I don't mind and I doubt anyone else does.

20. Posted by - Alex Clark on Feb. 02, 2012

    There are very sound reasons why our founding fathers, who came to this country, in part, looking for the freedom to worship as they chose, made the separation of church and state one of this country's founding principles. If you're not aware of the reasons for this democratic principle, I'd suggest looking into the question a little further. I would also suggest that the separation of church and state doesn't infringe upon your right to worship as you please. Public buildings, like schools, are just not houses of worship. Still, if you're in a school or a courtroom, and you quietly say a prayer to your God, I'm sure no one will know, or care.

21. Posted by - Athena on Feb. 02, 2012

    Though I am not a religious person I feel much better about a prayer teaching positive values rather than the corporations that ARE aloud into our schools telling our young children soda pop and potato chips are ok.

22. Posted by - Mark on Feb. 02, 2012

    You can remove God and everything that has to do with Him from your life if you feel that's what you want to do. But as the people before said, respect that others do believe. When prayer started being removed from some schools years ago look at what has happened since... Anything good, that you can say that has come from that??? random shootings, more violence and we can go on with a list of negatives that we see nowadays... I truly believe that when we remove God from the picture, He will be gentle enough to go away from where He is not wanted... But don't ask where He is, once things start going nuts.

23. Posted by - Liz on Feb. 02, 2012

    1st - I cannot even imagine a child of 10 making such an important decision.
    2nd - I'm getting a little upset that children are allowed to dictate what should or should not be.
    3rd - What about my rights and others that believe in God. Freedom of religion does not mean that you hide in a closet. Nor does it mean that another person should be allowed to force you to.

24. Posted by - Beth on Feb. 02, 2012

    I agree with Lynn just because you don't believe in something that doesn't mean that everyone feels the same. our freedom is getting taken away little by little. This country is going down the tubes. When i was in school the kids that didn't believe in something they just didn't participate in the activities. Why should the rest of the kids be punished? That is the same as we don't have Christmas Concerts anymore it is a Winter sing or Holiday concert, I will always call it Christmas Concert and will always say Merry Christmas not Happy Holidays.

25. Posted by - Jorge on Feb. 02, 2012

    The same way we do not get offended because there are atheists in the world they should not get offended because there are people that believe in God. This is a democratic country, isn’t it? Then let the majority decide whether we keep or delete the religious motives from schools or work places.

26. Posted by - sherri on Feb. 02, 2012

    I don't know why an atheist gets so "offended" by prayer or by even a prayer on a wall. If they do NOT believe in God, then it shouldn't bother the person. I don't believe in santa clause, the easter bunny, or a green leprochon and I DO NOT get offended when these items are used at schools, business, etc.

27. Posted by - Lynn on Feb. 02, 2012

    We have no values left in this country. Once God is removed from every aspect in our lives, be prepared, for the coming of the end of world will be near. Hope all of you are saved.