Prayer Journal
Tuesday, September 19, 2000
In colonial America, our forefathers laid the foundation for what would become the greatest nation on earth. A person doesn't have to search far to see what these "nation-builders" believed was basic to their aspiration. It was their faith in God and a determination to lay a solid foundation upon which their children would continue to build. A good example of their success can be seen in their schooling methods.
Children began their education in the home. A lady would agree to teach several children in her home where reading, writing and basic arithmetic skills would be taught. There were few text books available so the teacher would use lecture, illustration and application to help the students learn. Of course, reading was fundamental and learning the alphabet obviously basic to reading.
Most children used a hornbook to learn the alphabet. This was a paddle-shaped board covered with transparent cow's horn to protect the listing of the alphabet and the Lord's Prayer. Every child had to memorize the hornbook so they could move on to read the New England Primer, a book of prayers and poems about Bible characters along with short stories focusing on illustration of virtue. After learning to read the Primer, children would advance to reading the Bible and other books like Pilgrim's Progress.
Today, most educators ignore the facts that brought so much success and personal fulfillment to our nation. With the attempt to revise our history, vilify our forefathers and elevate every radical and perverse voice, a person might be led to believe that things don't look bright for America. I submit that America's future is as bright as the young people who stand up for what is right and pleasing to God.
September 20 is "See You at the Pole Day". This is the day set aside for thousands of our youth meet before school and gather around the American flag to pray. While the number of those meeting at the pole may not be a majority, it is encouraging to see young people stand up and be counted. I recall other young people who faced, what seemed to be, insurmountable odds and overcame them by the power of God.
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Dan 3:17
May God grant these, our youth, a driving passion to serve Him. Bless them, protect them and God bless America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
