Gospel Singer Admires Gutsy Gatherers at Flagpole Prayer Events
by Allie Martin
September 15, 2004
(AgapePress) - Contemporary Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith says he is inspired by students who gather every year to pray around their schools' flagpoles.The 15th annual "See You at the Pole" observance takes place today (Wednesday) across the United States. Last year, more than two million students in all 50 states gathered before class to pray for themselves, their classmates, their schools, and their nation. Although the events are monitored by the National Network of Youth Ministries, each prayer meeting is sponsored, organized and led by local students at participating schools. At some flagpole gatherings the students have silent prayer, while at other schools they sing and are led in audible prayer by one of their fellow students.
Smith admires the students for their open proclamation of faith -- a gesture that he contends takes real "guts" to make so publicly. "It does. It really does," he says, "especially in today's climate. But I applaud those kids who show up and take a stand. I think it's important."
The singer notes that he is planning to attend a "See You at the Pole" event near his Tennessee home. He says he is inspired by the faith of the young people who gather around their school flagpoles to bring their requests and intercessions before God. "It's pretty moving to see a bunch of high school kids get together and pray," he adds. "I think it's pretty awesome."
Smith also hopes his presence will encourage the young believers. He feels it is important for adult Christians to show their support for the young people who gather for flagpole prayer. "This is the next generation, man," he says, "and we've got to invest in these kids."
"See You at the Pole" started with a small group of students in Burleson, Texas -- young believers who felt burdened to pray for their classmates and teachers. From their grassroots efforts in 1990, the "See You at the Pole" prayer events have organized and grown into an annual nationwide observance involving millions of young people.
