One of my favorite stories from See You at the Pole shows two truths about this movement: It is all about empowering students for ministry, and how powerful it is when we support them to help make it happen.
The students on the bus couldn't hear very well, but but there was a group of fellow students worshipping God, and praying for each other, the campus, the community and the nation. It was See You at the Pole. In fact, that same morning, SYATP was going on in front of schools all over the world.
As one girl got off her bus, she stared at the prayer group, turned and sat on the curb, and began crying. A Christian teacher who was observing walked over and tenderly asked her what was wrong. The girl, weeping, pointed to the praying students and said, "Those kids…they're praying for me."
In a few minutes' conversation, the teacher was able to point the girl to Christ, and she asked Jesus into her life right there in front of the school.
How does this happen?
First, I really doubt that the girl exiting her bus was able to hear the actual prayers being voiced at the flagpole. But I'm very sure the Holy Spirit was talking to her. That girl met Jesus because of the prayers of her friends.
I need to add: she didn't meet Christ because they "made a bold stand" or "rallied so everyone could see" or "claimed their Constitutional rights as Christians." It was God answering their prayers.
Second, there was a network in OKC that helped prepare those students to pray effectively. The students were empowered for ministry by adults who supported them. One of them was the teacher who was assigned to be there to keep an eye on things – and acted with compassion to usher the girl into a relationship with Jesus.
Adults play a key role in helping students plan SYATP – and helping them think through what to do after SYATP to launch ministry to their school. They should let the students lead, but most students appreciate having support and direction!
SYATP 2014: #NeverStopPraying
The theme of See You at the Pole: Global Week of Student Prayer this year ("Never Stop Praying") is from Ephesians 6:18. While SYATP day is September 24, some will feel God is leading them to pray in different ways than gathering before school on Wednesday. This allows them to "pivot" and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
We encourage you as leaders to help them keep their foot anchored in prayer, but accomplish it in unique and creative ways. Use the whole week, or any part of it that God tells you to use to pray. Pivot!
And please share your stories on www.syatp.com under the Contact Us link. You can also share your stories on the SYATP Facebook page and keep everyone up to date with Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with #neverstoppraying