Joining Hands and Hearts at the Flagpole.

This month, our family had a unique opportunity to gather with our fellow students, parents, and even some teachers and staff at Westpark Elementary School for this year’s global day of student prayer, See You at the Pole™.

On the last crisp Wednesday morning of September, we gathered around the school’s flagpole, eager and full of hope, ready to lift our voices in prayer, as we were led by our hearts and by God Himself.

This year’s theme, “Wholehearted,” centered around Jeremiah 29:13:

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

See You at the Pole™ is a beautiful global movement, initiated, organized, and led by students. It revolves around a simple act: students coming together in prayer on the fourth Wednesday in September, usually before the start of the school day, right at the flagpole. 

And the amazing thing is that this happens not just at elementary schools but also at middle and high schools, and even colleges and universities worldwide. Often, adults join in, too, showing their support by gathering nearby at their workplaces, places of worship, or city halls.

But why meet at the flagpole? 

Well, as you might know, every school has one. It’s an easily identifiable location, a place that’s both symbolic and practical. And one significant aspect of these gatherings is prayer for the spiritual health of our nation and its leaders, aligning with the principles of 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Hence, the name and location of the event!

So, in the spirit of 1 Timothy 2:1-2, adults and students poured out heartfelt prayers of praise, petitions, intercession, and thanksgiving to God. 

Our prayers touched upon every aspect of our lives: for one another, our families and friends, the teachers and students, faculty and staff, our school, our community, our nation, and indeed, the world at large.

But the beautiful tapestry of prayer didn’t end there. We also recited “12 Powerful Verses To Pray and Pour Over Our Children” together, each verse a wellspring of hope and love. 

In addition, every child presented a short sentence prayer accompanied by a fitting scripture. Their words resonated with great child-like faith.

It was a heartwarming experience, to say the least, to stand alongside the families and neighbors with whom we share our daily lives. Our collective voices reached out to the heavens to touch the heart of God, and the unity was palpable, to say the least.

If you haven’t heard about or considered attending See You at the Pole™, we invite you to mark your calendar for the last Wednesday in September next year. 

Visit SYATP.com (short for See You at the Pole™) to find more information on how you can lead or participate at a school near you. 

It’s a beautiful way to connect with your community and support tomorrow’s leaders’ hearts seeking to make a difference through prayer today and in future generations.

See ya at the pole next year, right? 😉