We’re a country founded on prayer

The last two weeks I have been quite aware of the events circling the terrible acts of terrorism, as I’m sure you and every other mourning American have been. It seems wherever yougo, you can’t escape hearing or reading about it. Sometimes it’s good news, but most of the time it’s news you’d rather not hear. For some Americans, it’s a day they’d rather block out of their mind, as if it had never happened. For others, it’s a call to patriotism, rallying on street corners and holding flags, singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” However they’ve decided to deal with it, it usually involves them seeking peace and rest from a higher power; someone bigger and greater than the terrorism itself.

I drive down the streets and notice that over half the business signs say “Pray for our country.” Our president, a professed Christian himself, has urged us to keep our nation in prayer. Even our schools, where God has been “forbidden,” are now stating on their signs, “God Bless America.” People are being encouraged to pray!

But in all this, I have to ask myself why. I, myself, a 17-year-old senior at Master’s Touch Christian School, have the privilege to be able to pray in school; whereas, public schools have “banned” prayer and God altogether saying that it infringes on other people’s beliefs. But now, when our nation is in a state of crisis, we not only allow but have encouraged prayer in our schools, in our capitals and in our businesses.

If you look back at America’s history, and you read all the documents written and all the words spoken, you see that our country was founded on Christian beliefs and principles. This wasn’t because we were trying to impose our beliefs on anyone, but because that was the original reason that we came and settled America, for the religious freedom. And since then, as a country under God, we have thrived and been blessed for many years. Though in recent years, when we’ve tried to exclude God from our schools and lives and rewrite history by trying to take him out of our government, have we seen the effects of not being a nation after God’s own heart.

Finally, this brings me to the questions: “Why isn’t God (and prayer) allowed in our schools and government? Why does it cost us 6,000 lives for us to realize what a God-depraved country we are?” Can anyone tell me?

Marysville

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, May 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

The Buzz: What do you get for the man who wants everything?

If you’re looking to impress President Trump, better have a well-appointed luxury 747 on hand.

Schwab: Taken for a ride by the high plane grifter

A 747 from Qatari royals. Cyrpto-kleptocracy. And trade ‘deals’ that shift with Trump’s whims.

Saunders: Saudi visit puts Trump’s foreign policy on display

Like it or not, embracing the Saudis and who they are makes more sense than driving them elsewhere.

Harrop: Democrats’ battles over age ignore age of electorate

Party leaders should be careful with criticisms over age; they still have to appeal to older voters.

Comment: Trump’s break with Netanyahu just keeps widening

His trip to the Middle East, without a stop in Israel, is the latest example Trump has moved on.

The Washington State Legislature convenes for a joint session for a swearing-in ceremony of statewide elected officials and Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address, March 15, 2025.
Editorial: 4 bills that need a second look by state lawmakers

Even good ideas, such as these four bills, can fail to gain traction in the state Legislature.

FILE - The sun dial near the Legislative Building is shown under cloudy skies, March 10, 2022, at the state Capitol in Olympia, Wash. An effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive state tax code comes before the Washington Supreme Court on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in a case that could overturn a prohibition on income taxes that dates to the 1930s. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Editorial: What state lawmakers acheived this session

A look at some of the more consequential policy bills adopted by the Legislature in its 105 days.

Liz Skinner, right, and Emma Titterness, both from Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, speak with a man near the Silver Lake Safeway while conducting a point-in-time count Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, in Everett, Washington. The man, who had slept at that location the previous night, was provided some food and a warming kit after participating in the PIT survey. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: County had no choice but to sue over new grant rules

New Trump administration conditions for homelessness grants could place county in legal jeopardy.

Comment: A bumpy travel season for U.S. tourists, destinations

Even with a pause in some tariffs, uncertainty is driving decisions on travel in and out of the U.S.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, May 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.