Some 30 years ago, a small group of Texas high school students met for prayer, which unbeknownst to them, would blossom into a movement that now surpasses 66 countries and brings hundreds of thousands of students together to do the most important thing they can — pray.
In early 1990, the group participating in a Disciple Now weekend was moved and burdened by God to begin praying for friends, schools and leaders. They drove to three local high schools, met at the flagpoles and poured their hearts out to God.
Not long afterward, the flagpole prayer vigil spread to other students and other schools. It was dubbed “See You at the Pole,” and within the first year, 45,000 students were participating. As God grew the movement, it caught fire in other states and countries. Today, an estimated 1 million students around the world join in each year to pray for others.
Moral and spiritual well-being
Greg Davis, president of First Priority, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the moral and spiritual well-being of students in Alabama, has been supporting See You at the Pole for many years and continues to encourage local churches and believers to participate.
“First Priority will help students anywhere in the state of Alabama (with planning),” Davis said. “We talk to youth leaders, and include [See You at the Pole information] in First Priority training.”
He noted that although there is publicity every year such as radio, television and print ads, most churches are ready for the event when it comes around in September because it has been a regular occurrence for so many years.
“We communicate ahead of time with the local churches to encourage their students to promote, plan, participate and pray at their campus,” Davis said. “We can provide prayer guides and other resources for those who request them. We share over social media and traditional media to remind everyone of the date. Sometimes they need a last-minute reminder.”
Davis added that because Alabama has so many churches, the number of students participating every September is significant.
“In Alabama we see a bigger number as far as participation. We have lots of churches, and they are pretty engaged,” Davis noted.
One important aspect of the annual prayer event is who leads it.
“This is student-led, just as First Priority campus clubs are,” Davis explained, adding that the best thing adults, parents and church leaders can do is encourage, support and coach students to be successful in ministry on their campus.
‘Tremendous opportunity’
“Christian students have a tremendous opportunity to influence their friends and peers for Christ. They need us to let them know what and how they can actually do it,” Davis said.
As with many aspects of life and ministry, SYATP has been affected by the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, and according to Davis, it is more complicated and difficult for students to plan this year.
“They have to make sure they follow school protocols,” he explained. “But they are very passionate and typically deal with it all better than we adults do. We do see occasional examples of schools discouraging or not allowing SYATP or other student-led religious freedom gatherings. We remind school administrations that this is equal access, and the students must be treated just as any other group on campus.”
Davis said if there can be sports, band and other types of practices and extracurricular gatherings, there is no reason students cannot be allowed to gather and pray or worship.
As in 2020, SYATP will be livestreamed and will include a guided time of prayer beginning Sept. 22 at 7 a.m. and repeating in each time zone. Students are encouraged to share their experiences on their social media accounts and online. They also can download the Campus Prayer app, created by Claim Your Campus, in partnership with SYATP.
When asked about the biggest impact of SYATP, Davis said it has given students the opportunity to go public with their faith.
“They are not afraid to pray,” he said. “There’s a boldness that comes with that.”
Davis added that many students who have struggled to get through 2020 and the effects of the pandemic have been going to the event, praying and finding the Lord.
“When we show up, He shows out,” Davis said.
To support, promote or participate in this year’s See You at the Pole visit syatp.com, download the Campus Prayer app and find resources on how to pray, prepare, publicize and plan an event at your school.
Share with others: