Prayer Not Debate


I hoped to avoid entering the debate on the horrific loss of life and injuries as the result of a spree shooting at a Flordia High School. Seems offensive to be debating when parents are holding a vigil at a hospital bed or mourning at a child's funeral. We should be mourning as a nation that children were murdered.
I find myself drawn into the debate because of posts and media statements blaming a 55-year-old court case banning organized school prayer as the reason for children to be killed by evil.
First, I believe in God, father all mighty, maker of heaven and earth. I was taught that the Lord is forgiving and loving. God is not spiteful or revengeful. God is love. A loving God does not spite children. God's grace is everywhere including schools.
Second, prayer is present in school every day. Students pray. I witness children praying grace at lunch. Students may read the Bible or religious works at the school. Students may organize prayer groups. Teachers pray every day. I pray every day for my students, my families, and staff. I pray to be a vehicle of faith to make a difference in the lives of children. Schools are not void of prayer.
In closing, it is offensive to God to state that the Lord would spite children and place them in harm's way because of adult actions. The Lord is forgiving. The Lord is merciful. The Lord is everywhere. The Lord is love.
Let us not debate. Let us pray asking for God's grace to enable our nation to heal and end school violence.

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