Should they put prayer back in schools?

One of the latest Facebook "polls" going around is asking that question. I don't participate in those kinds of things on FB (primarily because I don't trust that someone isn't using it to hack my account), but I do have an opinion.

No! Please, no!

(Let the hammers in the hands of some begin to pound the nails. I fully expect it.)

I can remember our class in early elementary school bowing our heads as we stood in line to go to the cafeteria (I think we called it the "lunch room") almost 50 years ago and someone leading us in "God is great, God is good....". However, that was another America, two generations removed. It was still the "Leave It to Beaver" era. And no one (to my knowledge) ever abused the prayer or found it "unconstitutional". Everyone, it seemed, believed in the God of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Those who didn't were a huge minority.

But in the 60's things began to rapidly change, didn't they? Court rulings found such things as prayer in school "unconstitutional" - a violation of the so-called "wall of separation" between church and stated. So it was stopped in government schools.

Those weren't the only changes, however. Our nation as a whole, since World War II increasingly became more and more secular. Families, that had for generations been regular church-goers curbed their attendance to Easter and Christmas, if that. Organizations led by atheists (remember Madelyn what's her name... She was a real activist before becoming an email forwarded hoax), People for the American Way and the ACLU lobbied and sued to strip any vestiges of religion, especially Christianity, from anything public, despite the efforts of the "Christian right".

That led us into the 21st Century and what has been rightly labeled a "post-Christian America". Nowadays, if the preacher in the pulpit proclaims the historic orthodox faith of his church he is likely to be criticized by the membership for being intolerant! Our national religion is pluralism.

"But won't restoring prayers to the public school life help bring our nation back to God?" That's the question and reasoning of those who think it would be a good thing. Our kids need to pray!!

OK. Who in the government-owned school is going to lead that prayer? To what "God" is that prayer going to be directed? Remember, we now embrace multi-culturalism. So do you really want someone who believes in praying to "Mother Earth" or some other pagan entity leading your child in prayer in school? When it's Islamic prayer day, do you want your child bowing toward Mecca (so as not to offend the Muslim students) while a prayer to Allah is being said? That's the only way in the America in which we now live that it would ever happen. Is that what you want?

"But", some reply, "why not just have a moment of silence and let everyone silently pray to the deity of their own faith?" Now we're getting somewhere... almost. But do we even need that?

Guess what? There is no law prohibiting a student from praying while in school. Now, if someone insists the prayers be made aloud and before an entire class or over the intercom, maybe we should read Jesus words on "public" prayers in Matthew 6.

No one can stop a student from praying silently before or after a class. Who said a Christian student can't pray while walking to and from class for his/her classmates and teachers? No one can stop a student from bowing his/her head in the cafeteria to thank God for the meal. And there is no law prohibiting like-minded students from gathering at the school before or after classes to pray together. (Heard of "See You at the Pole"? I just wonder why it's only once a year.)

So what is it that we really want? The days of Wally and the Beaver are forever gone. We surrendered our cake by apathy. It's too late to eat it now. So, instead of trying to get back what we began to give up three generations ago, why not teach our kids that their ability to pray never stops and that God can hear their hearts' utterances, even in the midst of a geometry exam? That was when I found myself doing a lot of praying.

We don't need a regimented time to pray, do we? If we do, then the real question should be, "Should we put prayer back into the everyday lives of Christians?". What did Paul mean by "Pray without ceasing"? Do our kids need someone to tell them when it's the legalized time to pray?

Maybe the answer should be found in Christian parents and churches teaching students that prayer can happen anywhere at anytime and that the answer to our spiritual needs as a nation won't be provided by legislation. If it is, can we truly call it prayer?

As long as there are Christian students and teachers in our public schools there will always be prayer in school. It can't be stopped.

An Unforgettable New Years Day (from 2008)

(I originally posted this on New Years Day 2008 after a long day. Little did we know then how miraculously God would answer our prayers. But we did believe. This is my third year to repost it.)

Usually I'm doing as little as possible on January 1; trying to avoid taking down Christmas decorations while channel surfing between bowl games. Not today.

Today, along with 3 of our church's pastors, my wife, another pastor's wife, our youngest daughter and her husband, my daughter-in-law's parents, my sister and a friend, we visited our very ill daughter-in-law at Duke University Hospital.

It's a 4 hour ride for us to get there. Yesterday she requested our elders (synonymous with pastors in our church) come to anoint her with oil, lay hands on her and pray (see James 5 in the New Testament). Word got out via the net and word of mouth and who knows how many joined us in prayer between noon and 1PM.

Tricia has posted some prayer needs on Nathan's blog site. If you want to meet some incredibly courageous young people, give it a read.

And here's my granddaughter's latest photo. She's 24 weeks in the oven and weighing about 1 lb 4oz. And she's got her mom's nose.

Retrieving the First Amendment

Kerry Dougherty's editorial in today's Virginian-Pilot truly rings the Liberty Bell. I hope you'll take a couple minutes and read it. (They're a bit slow at the Pilot today with their links. As soon as they have it up I'll post it here. Or you can try to find it yourself at www.pilotonline.com).

Often I'm asked (because of the "controversy") if I pray in Jesus' name when my prayers are in a public setting such as town functions. Frequently I am asked to pray for ceremonies and now commissioners' meetings because of my dual roles as a local church pastor and as a chaplain with our fire department.

My answer is simple: "Praying in Jesus' name is the only way I know how to pray. Anything else would be something less than prayer." Thankfully we have a Constitution that not only protects us from government dictation of what we can or can't believe, but also guarantees us freedom of speech.

Even when that speech is to God.

Virginia Tech Students Brutal Slaying

Perhaps you've heard/read this terrible story. Reading it here I just realized that not only were these two young people committed Christians, but were part of the church Gail and I belonged to back in my seminary days. We do not know them, but know many in the church.

It's a solid church with a strong faith family, but I hope you'll pray for them, especially Pastor Kroll. Their funerals are back to back on Monday afternoon.

If you pray, please remember this family.

I've asked for prayer for them in the past. I ask again now.
Little Stellan is again so critical.

Discouraging news

I just talked with Nathan. Tricia's PET scan showed no remission in the cancer and that it may have spread to a lymph node in her chest. Tomorrow they will do a biopsy and from there determine the next step of treatment.

Nathan, Tricia and Gwyneth will be returning home tomorrow from Duke.

We all had hopes that this round of chemo would kill the cancer, but it hasn't. Thanks for your continued prayers.

But whenever Monday comes...

Charles Spurgeon, the great British preacher/pastor of the 19th century made the statement that every Monday he wanted to quit.

This guy was far from a failure. He was the most celebrated and read Christian of his era. The church he led in London was by today's standards a "mega-church". Every week men and women came to faith under his ministry. But on Mondays he was down.

That's a very common hazard that comes with the job. I know. I often feel it as well. A lot of spiritual energy is expended on Sundays. The "point man" often goes toe to toe in battle for the souls of men with the opposition. And then there's the devil to contend with, too!

In my prayer time earlier God reminded me that it was Monday and prompted me to pray for a number of my pastor friends. Some are struggling today and I know it. Others I don't know, but still need encouragement to keep on.

It's Deja Vu all over again

Today marks the 9 month anniversary of Gwyneth's birth. After a check up yesterday at Duke, she's doing great! In the picture she was 1lb. 6 oz. Today she's over ten pounds and what a joy!

But Tricia is back in the very same ICU where she was on that day. Today, instead of being comatose, however, she is battling pneumonia.

Thanks for your prayers for them. We know very well that prayers have covered the past nine months and will continue to make a difference.

The song we sang Sunday, "Our God Reigns" - about His sovereignty - brings great comfort and hope.

Eastern NC Prayer Conference

If you haven't yet registered don't panic. You can register at the door Friday evening. Registration will be open from 5-6:30. The conference begins at 6:30. Please don't bring children. There is no child-care provided.

For you pastor types who plan to attend the luncheon, you need to register in advance today by going to the website. If you prefer, there is a phone number posted on the website you can call.

Over 100 are expected for the conference. In addition to some excellent speakers, the MP13 Band will be leading worship throughout the conference.

Hurricane Ike

Before we start complaining about the jump in gas prices or even that gas may be rationed, and the inconvenience that will cause us, let's turn our thoughts to the potential devastation to the Texas coast this storm will bring.

And let's pray for all those who live in this hurricane's path. Those of us living on the coast would do well to remember Jesus' words to "Do unto others...". Ike could have easily been our nightmare.

Let's also not forget to pray for those already crushed by recent storms, especially in Haiti. The story there is particularly grim. Over 1000 have died in that country from hurricanes this month.

So please today and tomorrow be sure to use your prayer time to remember those affected by these storms.

Storm watching

Hannah is due to arrive either tonight or Saturday morning. But Ike is the one that has us a bit concerned.

I've set my alarm

At 2:55AM my cell phone alarm is going off. Not just tonight, but every night for the next 41 nights. Well, I guess technically it's not nights but mornings.

Why? Because I'm part of over a hundred in our fellowship committed to a 15 minute segment of the day to check in with God through prayer and quiet time. Beginning September 1 Nags Head Church will be praying 24 hours a day through October 10.

Why? Because the prayers of those who know Christ make a difference. (My paraphrase of James.) And because we're preparing the the next 40 days to follow as together we discover God's purposes for our lives.

Why 2:55 in the morning? First, because my chosen 15 minutes starts at 3AM and I want to have a couple of minutes to get my head together before talking with God. Second, because I've got nothing else distracting my attention at that time of day/night. Third, because I need the discipline in my life. Fourth, because I'm a leader. Fifth, because I know God will be up waiting to hear from me. He never slumbers or sleeps.

And I'm starting a day early because I can.

Now if I can just figure how I'm going to get back to sleep...

Have you been praying for Pepe?

"Pepe" - her name is Gina, received a double lung transplant (she has CF) over a month ago when she was very sick and had two strikes against her. The time since the surgery has been very difficult with multiple complications and surgeries. Somehow she has continued to fight.

But the latest post on her site indicates her condition must be very grave tonight. Please lift her up to the Father. And don't forget her family and friends who have gone through this very difficult ordeal with her.

The eye of the storm has passed by

A hurricane hits and pounds with wind and rain and flood. Then for a brief time, when the eye passes over it gets peaceful. The skies are even blue for a short time. But then after the eye passes the pounding continues until the storm is gone.

The results of Tricia's scan today showed that her lymphoma was essentially unaffected by the chemo she's had over the last 5 weeks. In fact, the cancer has grown.

Nathan's blog gives the details.

We're all discouraged, to put it mildly.

I don't have answers to the obvious questions. I hope I have the faith the size of a mustard seed, however.

Thanks for your prayers. The winds and rain have picked back up on the back side of this storm.

(Bump) Surgery, Delivery, Recovery

(With today being Gwyneth's six month birthday, I've gone back and recalled what I wrote that day. We have much to celebrate! This post and the one below were from that day.)

They took Tricia down to OR just before noon. We got a call just after 1:00 that the tracheotomy went well and that she was stable. However just a couple of minutes later we were told that they were proceeding with the C Section. So we all rushed down to the surgical floor to join Nathan.

The wait seemed like forever, but about 45 minutes later the OB doctor came in and said the C Section went well and that Tricia seemed stable. The wave emotion that swept over us was huge. Lots of tears. Prayer of thanksgiving.

The baby weighs about 1 lb. 6 oz. She's been intubated and is in NICU. We've seen a picture the doc took on his blackberry. She's tiny, but has hair on her head!

Tricia's been taken back to ICU where they're tweaking her ventilation. For the time being she's kept under sedation and paralysis to keep her still. Her pulmonary doc met with us a few minutes ago and told us what took place. There were about 75 people in the OR and he said they all did their jobs well.

He also said Tricia's chances of survival from this are still "iffy" at best.

Nathan seems to be doing OK now. It was tremendously emotional for him, as you can imagine. He's been in to see Tricia. Later we'll get a visit from someone in NICU to update us on Gwyneth's status.

So please, if you're part of the prayer effort, don't stop now. Both mother and child are critical at this point. But all of us here know that all the prayers helped us get through this.

And the doc was wrong about who was in the OR. There was One he missed.

The Steps We Take

I'm not normally up at 2:30 in the morning. That's certainly not my choice - I'd rather be getting my beauty rest. God knows I need it.

He also knows a whole lot more than I do. That's why He's God.

At 1:00 Gail heard the phone ringing. I woke to hear her say, "Yes, he's right here." (Where else would I be?) It was the hospital - actually one of our church family who works in the ER - calling to see if I could come and help a mom and dad whose 17 year old daughter just died of heart failure.

So, at 2:30 I've just returned from watching another set of parents weep as they caressed the body of their child and said goodbye. For me, this is the 4th death in less than a week where I've been called upon to respond. I've known none of them. Three have been minor children.

As I walked in the house a few minutes ago I was asking God, "Why am I seeing so much sadness this week? Why am I up at 2:30?" You see, I'm a believer in the sovereignty of God - that He's in control and that even though I may not have the answers to the "Why?" questions, He does.

"Since I'm not sleepy I'll check on my blog and others until I can get back to sleep." And on my last post there was this one comment: "I know you guys are praying folks and I am asking you to pray for my little CF buddy. Here is his story: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/anthonyv. He is- at this moment--undergoing a double lung transplant due to CF. He is 12 yrs old. I was one of his teachers and have known him since he was 5 yrs old."

Exactly 3 months ago I was awake at 2:30 in the morning sitting in a waiting room at Duke while Tricia was receiving her transplant. Been there, done that.

Now I know why. At least to one question.

Breathe deeply, Haley

Haley Palmer lost her battle to stay alive today.

How I hurt for her parents, family and friends.

Thanks for your prayers on their behalf.

Cystic Fibrosis, while a horrible disease, somehow works to fashion the most incredible people we'll ever meet.

Dance for joy Haley. I want you to teach me how one day.

Join Us in Prayer Wednesday morning

A great suggestion was made to Nathan's last post about dedicating the hours of 7-10AM EDST tomorrow, Wednesday, June 11 to pray specifically for Tricia's tests and her health.

I've asked my church to join in and now am asking you to be a part of a huge breath of prayer ascending to the throne of God on her behalf.If you can and will find a quiet time during those three hours, please do so. I'm seeing to it that our church will be open for those who want to come here and pray as well, although your location isn't important.

Thanks for all the support you have given thus far. Their journey isn't over and you're needed again.

(Bump) White boy Baptist preachers can dance!

I originally posted this when Tricia woke from her coma back in January. Today's news that she's rid of all her tubes and wires and will be discharged tomorrow is cause for another dance. Pardon me, while I do a jig.

Great News!

Tricia's awake!

(Please don't let this dancing thing leak out. But if you want to see a bunch of us Baptists dancing, look here. Viewer Discretion advised. Content my not be suitable for some IFBers!)

Confidential to handful of dust

Yes. He is listening.