(Silly) question about prayer in schools?

Question

Sorry for this, but I really don't know. I come from a part of this planet where I've never seen kids pray. Ever.

So, please explain it like I'm 5 years old. What is prayer in school? What do kids need to pray for? What do they ask? And how do they do it? And why should they need to?

Answer 1

Isolating yourself from outside stimulation- i.e. closing your eyes, or going into a quiet room or a corner of the schoolyard- and attempting to personally communicate with your God/Creator verbally, through meditation, or through shared emotion. It's no different in schools, and no one is stopping them from doing it now.

What prayer is "not", in my opinion, is a memorized recitation of meaningless words, a theatrical-type production in which an authority figure stands at a podium and makes blanket impersonal demands of God on behalf of those present, or a personal display in which one makes a point of demonstrating his or her moral superiority by making grand gestures to assure that they have the complete attention of those around them as they extort God for personal favors, along with a couple incincere "help the poor"- type requests so they can feel warm-and-fuzzy inside for helping others without actually soiling their hands.

Answer 2

Once upon a time, nearly every American school teacher taught Christian prayers to the class. The children would have to learn and recite them every morning. The Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer was how each day started.

It did not matter that there were Jewish children in the class, or Atheists, or any other belief. They all learned and recited the Christian prayers. Psalm 23 was popular (The Lord is my shepherd) as was the Lord's prayer. I can still recite them by heart.

The Christians were then persecuted and forced to abandon their insidious indoctrination of the nation's children.

Now children are free to pray on their own if they wish, or not ever pray - in school or anywhere else. Although I admit that I have no idea what a 5 year old would pray for, except what he has been taught to do.

Answer 3

Although I basically I believe in the existence of a Deity, I completely oppose prayer in school. Now let me explain to you what is prayer in school:

The First Amendment of the American constitution is meant to protect freedom of speech with all its types- hate speech is an exception. Now, the idea of schools sponsoring prayer was prohibited because it violates this law: Many people do NOT hold Christianity to be their belief. Many court trials had been held (Late 60's, early 70's) around this subject. But since the law clearly says:

First, the government, whether federal or state, may not sponsor or aid in the establishment of a state religion; second, the action must be secular in purpose and in its impact; and lastly, the action could not excessively entangle government with religion. This, in effect, made it difficult to introduce prayer into schools.

But again in the 1980's Jerry Falwell (Died recently) and other conservative Christians tried to re-introduce the voluntary school prayer idea, by amending the Constitution, but it was rejected by the court and even the "moment of silence" was considered unconstitutional and was not allowed.

---So basically it's just the idea of a bunch of conservative Christians. They want everyone to be like them.

Answer 4

1)What is prayer in school?The Christians attempt to force EVERYONE to pray to THEIR god.2)What do kids need to pray for?Because their parents are "too tired" or "watching the game" and don't want to take the time OUTSIDE of school hours and pray.3)What do they ask?Dunno,pass the test?why are there other people who don't believe in an invisible dude,who may or may not answer?4)How do they do it?Silently,although the christian mullahs would like it broadcast over the PA system.5) why should they need to?Because their parents tell them they are filthy sinners destined for eternal hell,yet won't get off their butt on such an important issue to bring their child to a place of worship everyday,so I guess they must destroy the school system by letting a preacher teach. I vote Warren Jeffs to lead the prayer then!

Answer 5

When I was a child in school every morning there would be announcements, Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer. Every child heard and was supposed to participate in the prayer.

Now there is no prayer, but a minute of silence. A child can certainly pray to themselves any time they want.

Answer 6

It is teacher led prayer, at the beginning of class, where everyone in class closes their eyes and bows their head, and recites the lord's prayer, etc.

There is no problem currently with children praying quietly to themselves. They are allowed to do this any time they want. And no one, including atheists, has a problem with this. The preceding is what the religious right are trying to do to America. And it is absolutely absurd.

Edit - And FYI, the fact that we will not let them put this teacher-led prayer in schools, is what the Christians claim is "bias" and "discrimination" against them by secular society.

Answer 7

Kids pray for help with the task at hand, and safety. They pray with hands folded and eyes shut. They should be allowed to if this is their faith, or their upbringing.

Why shouldn't they be allowed to? Why are children told that they can't do something so simple, so harmless?

I'm sorry you haven't seen kids pray. It really is harmless, and for some reason, not allowed.

Probably why private schools are steadily growing, public schools are declining in population and quality.

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Holland needs prayer too.

Answer 8

When I was in primary school, we had an assembly every day where we were read bible stories before saying a prayer. I can't remember what the prayer was, something my head teacher made up and we had to repeat.

Answer 9

The only time I remember prayer, was a small handful that would pray before they had their lunch.

I see it just like when they made us get under our desks in case a nuclear bomb was dropped. In other words, a way to spread fear and control, but nothing of substance.

Answer 10

The controversy over school prayer is not about students praying to themselves, or amongst themselves...it's school sanctioned, prayer that students are compelled to participate in.

It's usually the people who pray the most already who promote it, so that they can get other parents kids to be exposed to it.