Prayer - See You At The Pole

Today we’re talking about something powerful and simple—prayer—and tying it to a moment that’s become a tradition for so many students and communities: See You At The Pole.

If you’re not familiar, it’s that beautiful morning when students, teachers, parents, and community members gather around school flagpoles to pray—quietly, humbly, and boldly lifting their voices to God. This is actually taking place tomorrow morning, Wed, Sep 24.

Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. Jesus Himself reminds us in Matthew 18:20 (NLT), “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

That’s the heart of See You At The Pole—coming together to invite God’s presence into our schools, our homes, and our communities.

So today, we’ll laugh a little, share some stories about prayer, and remember even when life feels chaotic or overwhelming, God meets us right where we are—whether it’s around a flagpole or in the quiet corners of our hearts.

See You At The Pole is marked on a special day on the calendar, but prayer is not something that happens one day—prayer is something that we need to walk in daily. Actually, we need to walk in it every moment of our lives.

Prayer serves as our primary mode of communication with God. His Word emphasizes that He desires to hear from us and indeed answers prayers. It’s through prayer that we directly connect with our Creator, and Scripture serves as one channel through which He communicates with us. As we engage in prayer and study His Word, our souls are stirred, and we discover the answers and wisdom we require.

When we talk about See You At The Pole, it is important for our kids to know that God is always there listening to them no matter where they are praying.

This also teaches them to step out in faith and let others know that they are showing their faith in God.

This may also be an opportunity for those out there who may have never heard about Jesus to ask some questions and learn about who He is.

This prayer is important on many levels.

Our Student Ministry at church talked about See You At The Pole, and they challenged each student to stand up and stand out and pray. And if they didn’t know where this prayer would take place, then ask someone and see if they could help them.

I remember when I was younger, like in elementary school, I absolutely went to See You At The Pole. But as I got older, I didn’t… we had a group that was bold and would let everyone know where it was, but I wasn’t even bold enough to go and pray.

So, my prayer is that our students and kids will be bold tomorrow, and nothing would stop them from going and praying.

In Matthew 18:20 (NLT), “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Let’s be intentional to be part of this today, tomorrow, and every day. To be surrounded by fellow followers of Christ is what helps us walk in life when things are difficult and when things are easy. It is in these relationships where we find comfort and encouragement to push through and keep going.

Talking with God in prayer should be like that text message chain you have with your friend: never-ending, random, always picking up where you left off.

I remember thinking about praying without ceasing when I was younger and literally thinking that there was no way I could constantly pray—that was too much. Then, of course, I came to realize that it was more of a heart posture of prayer, a willingness to come to God at all times and just talk with Him openly about all things. It wasn’t physically talking out loud in prayer, although that is fine, but more of just a continual conversation between God and my spirit, soul, and mind.

In the book The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson talks about physically walking and praying, and I find it interesting that for See You At The Pole, we find ourselves standing in a circle praying for our community, our students, the teachers, and so on and so forth.

Oftentimes prayer with a group is done in a circle. The circle brings unity. We lock hands and arms; we stand united in the belief of prayer and talking to God our Father, knowing that He hears us and will do something with our prayers.

Stand strong with your communities tomorrow morning and pray.

Prayer isn’t merely about making requests; it’s about fostering a relationship with God grounded in faith and trust. While God already knows the desires of our hearts, He delights in hearing from us because it draws us closer to Him—whether we’re seeking guidance or offering gratitude.

Prayer is our connection to the Lord. It is an expression of faith in God’s power, fueled by a desire for more of Him. God has established prayer as the means by which we receive His supernatural help. Without supernatural help, we cannot live a life worthy of the gospel. Without prayer, we would struggle to know that God wants a relationship with us. God has ordained that this grace flows to us through prayer. That’s why prayer must be central in our lives, families, and ministries.

Even when we don’t know what to pray, we can call out to God, and He will know exactly what we need. God will keep every promise He has ever made. His Word cannot be broken.

One thing I know for sure is that even in the times when I don’t feel like I’m being heard by the Lord when I pray, I actually am. Our expectation of an answer in our way of hearing or knowing is not always how He will give the answer. It can come in many forms. Just know that God hears you and will provide for you exactly what you need when it is time.

As you pray, stay confident in the Lord and know that He does, in fact, hear you, and He will give you an answer in His time.

As we close out today, I can’t help but think about the courage it takes for students to step out in faith and gather at a flagpole before the school day starts. That simple act of prayer is a reminder to all of us: God isn’t asking for perfection—He’s inviting us into His presence.

Matthew 18:20 says He is there among us when we gather. Whether it’s a crowd at See You At The Pole, a small group at church, or just you whispering a prayer in your car, He hears you.

So, as you go about your day, take a moment to pause and pray—for your family, your community, and your own walk with God. Because prayer isn’t just a moment on a calendar—it’s an ongoing conversation with the One who loves us most. And who knows? That small prayer might just spark something big.