 Pastor Al Paulauski | From Your Pal September 2005 In
1990, a student led prayer movement began with only 10 ordinary students. A small
group of students from Burleson Texas, came together for a weekend of discipleship
in early 1990. They came seeking God. Little did they know how powerfully God
was about to move. On that Saturday night God penetrated their hearts like never
before. The students were broken before God and burdened for their friends. Compelled
to pray, they drove to three different schools that night. Now knowing exactly
what to do, they went to the school flagpoles and prayed for their friends, schools,
and leaders. God used what he did among those teenagers, and others who were holding similar prayer meetings at their schools, to birth a vision in the hearts of youth leaders across Texas. The vision was that students throughout Texas would follow these examples and meet at their flagpoles simultaneously. The challenge was named "See You At The Pole" by a local student at an early brainstorming session. And on September 12th, 1990 more than 45,000 students met at school flagpoles in four different states to pray before the start of school. The following year one million students gathered at school flagpoles all over the country. Since then it has spread to millions of students annually around the globe. SYATP is simply a time of prayer, early in the school year, for students to lift their families, friends, teachers, schools, and nation to God. This prayer-centered time is led by students. Some have larger group prayer. Others split into smaller groups, or spend part of the time reading scripture and singing songs. Perhaps the greatest thing about SYATP is the special fruit that follows. SYATP has become a rallying point for students to get acquainted with other Christians and catch a vision for God to move on their campus. Many students begin Bible clubs or start meeting regularly for prayer. Many communities have large SAYTP rallies after the event. This year's theme, "Pray: Call to Me" is based on Jeremiah 33:3 where God says, "Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know." God desires a spiritual awakening among these students far more than any of us can fathom. God wants to hear the desperate pleas of these students, and he is ready to answer in great and mighty ways. So what can you do? Let me give you a couple of things to think about. Adults and parents: The best thing you can do is to support and encourage students. Pray along with them for an incredible year at their school. You may also choose to pray with other adults across the street or at another location (perhaps the church). SYATP is for Jr. High through college age students. Important for parents: Encourage your children to plan their SYATP time ahead of time. Students: Get the word out early. This year's SYATP is Wednesday September 21st. Plan, publicize, and let others know about the event. Make sure the focus is around prayer. Most groups meet at 7 a.m. before school. If your time is different, make sure others know. You may want to call or text message some friends the night before to remind them. Whether you stand by yourself at your school or among hundreds who pray on your campus, know that you are part of a vast, united movement of prayer. Don't be left out of what God wants to do with your campus, your city, and your world through your prayers. And don't let this year's event become routine. Believe God for "great and mighty things!" Decide now that you will be a part of SYATP! In Christ, Pastor Al
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