Thank you, dinf, for sharing your analysis with me. From what I gather, you are looking at this issue from a biblical perspective, which I would agree is very powerful. Nonetheless, not all Americans look at the issue from this point of view.
You see, if we were to put prayer back in school, how do you think people of other faiths would feel, as well as atheists? Remember, all school students do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their deity. Islam? Hindu? Mormons? Buddha?, etc. What should students of these faiths be doing while the others are praying to Christ?
In American, everyone has a freedom of religion (1st amendment to the Constitution), to include the freedom not to believe. When we use the public school as a platform to reaffirm biblical teachings (prayer), we are denying those who believe differently the opportunity to disassociate themselves with our belief. Furthermore, we could easily practice our believe at home or at church.
If you honestly believe that prayer in public school is the answer, I respectfully ask for you to read Matthew 6:5-13 (KJV) and please let me know what that scripture means to you. From what I understand, Jesus is telling us that prayer is something that should be done in secret.
I agree that prayer can give us hope, but that hope does not have to originate or end in public school. I am very appreciative of your invitation to one day perhaps meet for coffee. However, I do not believe that geographical locations will allow this to ever happen. But thanks for asking.
We can, however, continue to discuss this issue on this thread. I really enjoy hearing your perspective, as well as others. Thank you again for your thoughtful evaluation of the issue.