This week two school officials in Florida faced contempt charges and possible jail time because a prayer was said at a school luncheon. One would think that the number one concern in our public schools would be violence or drugs, but for the ACLU it would seem that there is no greater threat than a Christian who has the audacity to pray before a meal on school grounds. It is reported that there were no students present at the event, nor was anyone proselytized. The criminal charges pertained to a prayer over a meal.

The following are ten thoughts on the public expression of faith:

People of faith have the same constitutional right to freedom of speech as any other citizen.
If one believes that God does not exist, there should be no perceived threat amidst voluntary prayer.
If God does exist, prayer is our sacred duty and greatest hope.
Most school meals need all the prayer they can get.
Students need not  "shed their constitutional rights to freedom and expression at the school house gate."-- Supreme Court 1969
Beware of groups who herald "freedom of speech" yet suppress expression of faith.
The ACLU should invest their money in more than fighting voluntary prayer in school and nativity scenes at Christmas time.
Rewrite America's spiritual heritage and a nation loses its identity.
"It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for benefits, and humbly to implore his protection, aid and favors.' -- George Washington

Genuine faith has always thrived amidst persecution. As the ACLU seeks to force the hand of school officials by silencing prayer from the stage at graduation ceremonies and ball games, students are choosing to stand and pray anyway. Freedom of speech and faith cannot be muzzled. It is our sacred and constitutional right.

Rev. Bill Shuler is pastor, Capital Life Church, Arlington, Virginia. For more, go to Capitallife.org.