I would like to see a class action law suit filed and have prayer put back in schools, courts and anywhere else people want to pray. 

If the prayer bothers you, leave and come back when it's over. Better yet, stay gone.  

Dave Coburn
Chattanooga

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Prayer was never taken from the schools, Mr. Coburn.  Students, teachers, administrative personnel, and visitors alike are free to pray on school grounds if the spirit moves them.  They can simply bow their head in silent prayer or asked to be excused and go to a private spot to pray.

They are free to pray before they eat their lunch every day.  Students can organize prayer groups on school grounds.  Students can even initiate prayer in the huddle on the football field.  Real, true, prayer was not removed from our schools.   

However, government/school board mandated prayer led by school officials is not allowed.  And, personally, I think Jesus would approve.  The proof is right there in red in your bible. (Matthew 6:6 --- But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.)  

I believe a better use of Christian time would be spent showing the youth of America how to live a Christ-like life (by example), rather than fighting for them to hear a prayer that the principal or teacher or appointed representative wants them to hear. 

Hayley Roberson

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Ms. Roberson, I find myself once more suggesting that you join others and do a little more study on the history of religion and prayer in our nation by accessing the website of the U.S. Office of the Chaplain of the House of Representatives.  After that, mosey on over to the U.S. Office of the Senate Chaplain.  An education awaits you.

You will discover that the U.S. Constitution, through Article I, Section 2, established the U.S. Office of the Chaplain(s) in May 1789.  For over 223 years, public prayers have been offered (and are now posted online) for every session of the U.S. Congress and the Senate.  In case you missed it, that represents legal, public prayer--presented at the federal government level in federal buildings.  This continues the practice established by our Founding Fathers and the Continental Congresses of offering a prayer for this nation before each session.  You will also find on the site the prayer delivered in 1774 before the First Continental Congress, a list of every clergyman who has held the position of U.S. Chaplain since 1789, and a searchable archive of Daily Prayers. You may be surprised to learn that there is a "Congressional Prayer Room" located in the Capitol rotunda for use by representatives and senators.

On July 10, 2012, the prayer delivered before the House of Representatives was presented by Rabbi Joel Levenson and then posted on the website.  It reads:

"We invoke your blessing for good judgment, wisdom and understanding upon this House and all of its esteemed members.

Keep them mindful of our trust. Bestow upon them strength, determination, and willpower, to do instead of just to pray, to become instead of merely to wish.

Watch over the men & women who serve our country. For Your sake and ours, may our land may be safe, secure, and a source of goodness, and our lives blessed.

May we repair this world, and fill it with decency, justice and peace. A world for which the prophet Isaiah prayed centuries ago when he said: “Let justice well up as water and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

May the words that we pray, and the deeds that we do be acceptable before You, O Lord, our ever–present inspiration, rock and redeemer.
And let us say—Amen."

Unfortunately, those who continue to attack public prayer in schools and before government meetings are the same people who continue to distort the meaning of "separation of church and state"  and ""Freedom OF Religion."   They do nothing but demonstrate a lack of knowledge of our nation's history.

Mya Lane

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In response to Mr. Coburn,what kind of prayers do you think people should be allowed to do in schools or courtrooms?  If a Catholic kid in school wants to  pray the rosary or a judge would use The Book of Common Prayer( Episcopal Church) would that be okay with you? What about Muslim or Hindu prayers? Get the point?

Darlene Rochelle

North Chattanooga

cosmogirl424@yahoo.com