for using the National Day of
Prayer Proclamation in the classroom.
Ask your principal if copies of the most recent National Day of
Prayer proclamation may be made for the entire faculty and for students
to take home.
With permission post a copy of the proclamation on the faculty bulletin
board.
Read through the Proclamation with your class(es), discuss prayer
as a tradition and as a day set aside by Congress.
Encourage classroom discussions regarding our presidents' atitutdes
toward prayer. Some possible questions to ask:
How do we know that prayer has been an important part of our
national history?
What are some reasons why our nation's leaders have encouraged
people to pray?
Did all these presidents share the same religious beliefs?
How can Americans pray together when they belive differently?
How did the National Day of Prayer, passed unanimoulsy
by Congress on May 5, 1988 come into being?
Use as a study project for the entire class to explore
the first observance of a Day of Prayer and compare
several different proclamations by our
President.
Discuss the new and difficult words in the Proclamation,
making clear their meaning.
Have pupils write themes based on the National Day of Prayer
observance or write their own proclamation.