Prayer in Public School Essay -- Religion Education

In the heart of every religion, there is a way to express one's deepest thoughts and feelings--prayer. Prayer is something that most people due naturally. Whether it is in the morning before you start your day, before a meal, before you go to sleep, or when you just feel the need to express your feelings, prayer is always there. Religious faiths believe that this is central to human life. Even those who are not religious pray. Prayer affects the material universe. Prayer can be defined as an earnest request; a humble entreaty addressed to God, to a god, etc (Webster's). We are allowed to pray publicly anywhere, as long as we don't pray out loud. Yet we all live in a society that does not allow prayer inside public schools. Prayer is also not allowed in public institutions, but we can pray in private institutions, such as church. There is so much emphasis put on prayer in public school, despite the fact that prayer is actually substantial. The First Amendment of the U.S Constitution states "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for the redress of grievances" (Greenberg). This first amendment protects both believers and nonbelievers from government interference in their decision to pray. Students have the right to pray and read the Bible in public schools. Yet the educators and administrators who facilitate our schools cannot lead children in prayer or force them to pray. The constitution also prohibits the following: requiring students to recite prayers in class, saying public prayer at high school games and teachers and co... ... taught, perceived and demonstrated. Religion is a touchy subject and you really have to know what exactly what you are talking about when trying to promote your religion. Prayer in school is also a touchy subject. One side of my family is pro prayer in school and the other is anti prayer in school. I believe that morally a prayer before you start you day is a healthy, productive and cleansing way to live life. Yet to say that praying in school is the way to go would be pushing it. I see prayer as a contagious thing. Not so much in a bad way though. As I stated earlier, when we as a class all gathered for the death of a fellow classmate, one person started to pray and without realizing it, he a started a trend. Prayer is a very powerful and meaningful way to express your deepest thought and feelings and it should be done however, wherever, and whenever you please.