[mashshare]
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As students all over the country and the world have begun (or preparing to start) another school year, I wish you the best. I am praying for you. I pray that you have the best year of learning and academic growth. But also, I pray that you discover the value of integrating prayer and learning. The full person needs a full (holistic) education. God is a God of knowledge. There is no truth beyond God. So, as you begin each day, remember God. Throughout the day, remember God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 states, “Pray without ceasing.”
Even the little children should pray and seek God. Make room in the morning for them to pray along with us. The laws prohibit the inclusion of formal prayer in schools. Yet, children who learn to pray in the homes will learn the power of prayer in learning. Proverbs 22:5 states, \”Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.\” At a young age, children need to discover the power of prayer in learning. The integration of faith and learning will remain foundational throughout their lives. As I look back over my life, my earliest spiritual experiences were as a young child. Those moments with God formed me in a meaningful way for today.
As a young child with learning challenges, I learned the power of prayer in learning. I can testify that even the most complex concepts become clearer through prayer. This practical relevance of prayer in education helps to cultivate a life of prayer. If God can make that clearer through prayer, God can do this through prayer. Overtime, we will see children develop their prayer-life with greater dependence on God.
In closing, I think of two Church Fathers who spoke to this issue of prayer in learning – holistic formation. Second Century St. Thalassios the Libyan once said, “Stillness, prayer, love and self-control are a four-horsed chariot bearing the intellect to heaven.” In other words, prayer, along with stillness, love and self-control, is the fountainhead for knowledge. Also, Fourth Century St. Ephraim of Syria once said, “Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.” True knowledge emerges as more than mere information but rather formation. Virtues that are formed through prayer help us to become fully formed into the persons that God intends for us to become.
