At the heart of every religion, there is a way to express your deepest thoughts and feelings: prayer. Prayer is something that most people naturally fall into. Whether it's in the morning before starting your day, before a meal, before going to sleep or when you simply feel the need to express your feelings, prayer is always there. Religious faiths believe this is central to human life. Even those who are not religious pray. Prayer affects the material universe. Prayer can be defined as a heartfelt request; a humble supplication addressed to God, to a god, etc. (Webster's). We can pray publicly anywhere, as long as we don't pray out loud. Yet we all live in a society that does not allow prayer within public schools. Prayer is also not allowed in public institutions, but we can pray in private institutions, such as the church. There is so much emphasis placed on prayer in public school, despite the fact that prayer is actually substantial. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or restraining the exercise thereof." freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances" (Greenberg). This First Amendment protects both believers and nonbelievers from government interference in their decision to pray. Students have the right to pray and read the Bible in public schools. However, educators and administrators who facilitate our schools cannot lead children in prayer or force them to pray. require students to recite prayers in class, say public prayers at high school games and to teachers and co...... middle of paper...... teach, perceive and demonstrate Religion is a topic sensitive and you really have to know exactly what you are talking about when trying to promote your religion. Prayer in school is also a sensitive topic. My family is for prayer in school and the other is against prayer in school . I believe that morally a prayer before starting the day is a healthy, productive and purifying way to live life. Yet to say that praying in school is the way to go would be an exaggeration. I see prayer as a contagious thing. Not so much in a bad way though. As I stated before, when all of us as a class came together over the death of a classmate, one person started praying and, without realizing it, started a trend. Prayer is a very powerful and meaningful way to express your deepest thoughts and feelings and should be done however, wherever and whenever you want.