The goals, content and approach of
modern-day education have changed dramatically from the schooling
children received when our nation was first conceived. Formal, public
education was just taking shape at that time as the newly formed
government took responsibility for helping parents with this aspect of
their children’s upbringing. With the 1635 founding of America’s first
public school, the Boston Latin School, biblical faith was
unapologetically woven into classroom teaching. Many teachers were local
pastors, and a reverence for the Almighty and His precepts was viewed
as an integral part of true knowledge.
Today’s schools are a far cry from
those early classrooms. The influence of postmodern thought has left
its mark on 21st-century education, introducing concepts such as
pluralism, “tolerance,” and the rejection of absolute truth. While the
textbooks used in colonial days promoted a faith-based worldview,
today’s curricula are replete with materials that accept and, in some
cases, even condone immoral activities and lifestyles. Meanwhile,
revisionist teachings about our country’s founding remove any reference
to the Christian underpinnings that have long set our nation apart and
helped it thrive.
With this type of atmosphere
pervading our classrooms, it’s especially critical that we pray for our
nation’s public school teachers, administrators and students. Ask the
Lord to raise up a new generation of dedicated educators who will commit
themselves not only to an honest, accurate presentation of all subject
matter, but who will also serve as positive role models for their
students. In addition, let’s not forget to uphold our local school
boards in prayer as they make decisions about the various curricula that
are used across the country.
Scripture
Use these scriptures to pray for safety, morally sound instruction and wholesome environments.
Find
a prayer event in your area. This information was gathered from the National Day of Prayer’s website.
