Students lifted up their prayers for America, its leaders and its youth this past Wednesday for the 14th annual See You at the Pole, a grass roots prayer event that began in Texas in 1990.

During the past 13 years, millions of young people have lifted voices, bended knees and joined hands to pray for their schools as part of See You at the Pole--National Day of Student Prayer, asking God to bring moral and spiritual awakening to their campuses and their countries.

In 2002, more than 2.5 million teenagers met for See You at the Pole in all 50 states. Many prayed about the looming war in Iraq. Internationally, reports came from countries on six continents, including: Australia, Bahamas, China, Dominican Republic, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Romania, South Korea, Philippines, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

"Consumed" was the 2003 theme, quoting from 1 Kings 18:26-39, where the Old Testament prophet Elijah tells a story that shows God's power. God intervened, resulting in the Israelites' total surrender to Him when they said, "The Lord, He is God." Coinciding with the one-day SYATP observance, youth around the world observed a global Youth Prayer Week from September 14-20, sponsored by the Youth Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance. Further information is available at www.youthprayerweek.com.

See You at the Pole is a student-initiated and student-led movement that started in the Ft. Worth suburb of Burleson, Texas, in 1990. It originated with just one youth group, meeting at night at several schools around Burleson during a weekend retreat.

There is no financial requirement to be included at See You at the Pole. Everything necessary for students to plan and promote a successful SYATP is available free at www.syatp.com. Additional promotional resources are available to order online or by calling (817) HIS-PLAN (447-7526) between 9-5 (Central Time), Monday-Friday. Brochures, a promotional video or DVD, posters, and T-shirts are some of the materials available for 2003.

Church congregations nationwide showed support for See You at the Pole by sponsoring special "Campus Challenge Sunday" commissioning services September 13-14, the weekend before See You at the Pole. Participants recognized and prayed for students and educators. Campus Challenge Sunday resources have been created by the national Netowrk of Youth Ministries to help church leaders plan for this event. A special video can be ordered by calling 1-888-ALLIANCE and a local church Planning Guide can be downloaded free from www.everyschool.com.