Prayer in schools.... should we bring it back? What should it look like?

 

It has been a long time since I have been in the school system. Decades. When I was in school, it was alot different than today. We had to stand at attention for the National Anthem, "O,Canada", and then bow our heads and repeat the Lord's Prayer.  At the end of the day, we had to once again stand at attention and sing "God Save the Queen". 

We didn't have a choice. It did not matter what our religion was. It did not matter if we were religious. It didn't matter what our religion. We had to do it. In Grade 5, we were sent home with permission slips from the school that parents had to sign in order for the Gideons to give us a free pocket sized New Testament with the Psalms and Proverbs included. Everyone got the permission slip, and it was up to parents to sign off on it or not. It didn't matter what your backround was, it was offered. 

Over time, these traditions have been removed. Perhaps people were offended. "God Save the Queen" was the first thing to go. Then the Lord's Prayer was next. It more than likely went because it was "Christian" and many do not want Christianity pushed on them or their children, and that is their right. Today, the national anthem is also disappearing in many schools. Because it may offend. 

So we have stripped away things that are offensive to some. Diversity and inclusion are good things. But seeing the state of our society, with our rampant drug use and crime, I have to wonder if we didn't strip away some important tools from our children, such as quiet meditation and contemplation that they can depend on a high power of their choice to reach out to. 

I am only speaking from my experience, but I didn't grow up in great circumstances. Saying that prayer, taught me how to pray. When dishes were flying at the dinner table at home, praying helped me through it. I didn't understand God, or Jesus or anything, but the proverbs gave me some things to think about..how to live and do things right. I did not become a born again Christian, I didn't turn into a right wing anti everything nutcase, I just had a sense that something outside myself told me everything was going to be ok. That there was something bigger than all the hate in the world.  

Instead of ignoring it, I think schools should talk about it. Perhaps explore meditation, the creator, or even a lack of belief in a creator. Give kids the tools and let them decide. You don't have to ram your version of God down their throats. The Lord's Prayer is for Christians. Why not teach children to bow their heads and say a silent prayer each day for their needs, or a prayer for what they are thankful for? 

We have a mental health crisis in North America. Our kids are dying, literally. 

I am all for diversity, inclusion and making sure there is no hate towards any group in our schools. Teaching our kids about prayer and the good and bad of religion will give them the tools to make the right choices, to NOT be extremist. It will teach them to question and explore. Isn't that what we want? Critical thinking? Instead, we are hiding the topic under the rug. Kids today will turn to social media for comfort in times of trouble instead of having a personal time of meditation and reflection. They are carrying a massive burden. We must give kids all the tools to help themselves. We can not go back shoving Christianity down everyone's throats, but we must give them some options....because right now the solution of ignoring the possibility of a higher power and medicating our kids isn't working.  

There has to be balance and it needs to be restored. I am sure this will create fear in the minds of both the Christian right and the folks who want zero mention of religion in schools. To the Christians, do not fear. People are going to make up their minds either way,  just talking about higher power is a win for the Christians. Perhaps as the kids grow up they will see if your version of Jesus is attractive to them or not. Your truth isn't THE truth. For those who want no religion at all, the Atheists, do not fear. This is an opportunity to have a discussion with your kids. Why would you want to hide things from your children? Maybe they want to choose Yoga as their religion. Maybe they want to choose something else......shouldn't they get to choose from the buffet what works for them to keep them happy? 

In 2025, we need to have honest conversations. I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It doesn't mean I should be pushing that on anyone. Nor should I have an intention to open a conversation up in order to convert someone to my religion down the road. Ever. There is so much fear on all sides.  At the end of the day, lets give the kids the tools and let them choose what works for them. I can tell you in school there were kids that didn't need the Lord's Prayer, nor the proverbs. They didn't bow their head. And today some of those people are not at all religious or even believe in a higher power. They always had a choice. But for some of us, we got the tools and used them when we needed them. Perhaps we can afford our children some tools instead of hiding them. Maybe a small course on the different beliefs in the world, and a moment of silence before the start of the school day to remember our creator, to be thankful and ask for any help we need. 

I am sure many will disagree. Let's think about the kids over ourselves for a change.