Against Prayer in Public Schools

QUESTION: Why are so many against prayer in public schools?

ANSWER:

Perhaps many are against prayer in public schools because of fear. They have fear of lifestyle changes that would impact their lives in ways that they are not sure they could deal with. If their children were listening to prayer in school every day, to a God that they do not know, they may begin to question and seeking answers. This would cause family conflict since the children may find answers in which parents do not agree.

Furthermore, today there are children from many different religions, cults, and sects who attend our schools. It would be impossible to have a prayer which would be acceptable to everyone. A watered down prayer that would suit everyone would no doubt leave out the Creator God and Jesus Christ His One and only Son. A prayer of this form would be worthless and dishonor our God, even being considered blasphemous.

Despite the lack of public prayer in schools, there is no way to prevent those who are true believers in Jesus Christ, from praying anywhere. God's Word tells us that we should be in constant prayer. "Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). There is nothing to keep anyone from praying even without moving the lips, bowing our heads, or closing our eyes. God understands the situation and He will listen to our prayers offered from any position when they are sincere and heart felt.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State say: "There is no such thing as a 'non-sectarian' prayer. It is a contradiction in terms like 'grape-nuts.' It is really neither one. True prayer has to come out of some sectarian tradition. And if it could somehow be made truly 'non-sectarian,' it would not be prayer. Moreover, prayer reflects the missional purposes of a particular religion. Therefore, how can there be, by definition, prayer that is 'non-proselytizing'? Such prayers have the same banal effect as letters bearing the salutation 'To Whom It May Concern.'"