What is See You at the Pole Day?

Each September, students around the globe gather around their school flagpoles for a time of prayer known as See You at the Pole Day (SYATP).

This student-led movement invites young Christians to join together and lift up their schools, communities, and nation in prayer. It’s an opportunity for students to be bold witnesses and stand publicly for their faith.

But it’s also a day that’s garnered some criticism.

Questions about the legality of the event have arisen. And some Christians see this public practice as the type of performative prayer that Matthew 6 warns about.

If you want to cut through the conflicting information and decide if See You at the Pole Day is something you’d like to be involved in (or encourage your children to participate in), you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll tackle the history, legality, and scriptural basis of this event to answer these questions:

What is See You at the Pole Day?

See You at the Pole Day is an annual day of prayer for Christian students. It began in 1990, when ten students from a youth group in Burleson, Texas, felt led to pray for area schools. During a weekend retreat, the teens traveled to three nearby schools. They decided to pray around the flagpoles.

A conference in Texas that summer shared their experience. Then, the first See You at the Pole Day took place in September 1990. Since then, the movement has grown rapidly. It spread throughout Texas, the United States, and beyond.

Today, roughly a million students in 64 countries gather to pray.

Who Participates in See You at the Pole Day?

See You at the Pole Day is a non-denominational event. Young Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals, and other Christians come together to pray.

Let’s look closer at those who participate:

• Students: Most participants are students of all ages, from preschool to college.
• Supporting adults: Sometimes, adults join the students around the flagpole. If you want to do so, you must be mindful of the school’s policies. Depending on the district, you may need to check in at the office beforehand. Also, it’s important to remember not to take over the prayer time. It should remain student-led.
• Teachers and other school employees: Teachers and other staff sometimes participate. However, their legal right to do so is more of a gray area. In public schools, employees are generally restricted from leading or participating in religious activities during school hours to maintain the separation of church and state. But they may attend as private citizens during non-work hours.

When is See You at the Pole Day?

See You at the Pole Day occurs each year on the fourth Wednesday in September.

The next event is on September 24, 2025. In the coming years, it will be on:

• September 23, 2026
• September 22, 2027
• September 27, 2028
• September 26, 2029
• September 25, 2030

Is See You at the Pole Day Legal?

See You at the Pole Day had some early challenges regarding the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. But courts have decided that it is legal.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the law: In 1995, different political and religious groups joined forces. They created “Religion in the Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law.” This document clarified that the free speech and free exercise of religion clauses protect some religious activities at school.

Protected activities must be: 

• Student led
• Voluntary
• Outside of instructional time

Other court cases that have influenced the legality of SYATP Day include Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969), which supports students’ rights to express their beliefs non-disruptively, and Board of Education v. Mergens (1990), which upheld the right to form student-led religious groups.

Thus, students can organize, promote, and join See You at the Pole Day without violating the law.

What Does the Bible Say About See You at the Pole Day?

The Bible doesn’t directly address SYATP Day, as it is a modern event. But gathering together to pray is a biblical concept. Here are some of the verses in support of public prayer:

Matthew 18:20

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Philippians 4:6-7

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 

These Scriptures show why we gather to pray. Students show these principles by gathering at the flagpole. As they do, they seek God’s presence and guidance for their schools and beyond.

Critics of See You at the Pole Day reference Matthew 6:5-6. In this passage, Jesus warns against praying in public to gain attention.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” –Matthew 6:5-6

Some believe public prayer at a school flagpole goes against this teaching. They suggest these displays seek attention and are not a display of true faith.

Supporters counter that this passage addresses the heart and motive behind prayer, not the act itself. See You at the Pole Day is student-led, and the focus should be on sincere worship, not self-promotion. Participants should approach this event with humility. They must direct their prayers to God without seeking public praise.

Participants can examine their motives to ensure they’re gathering for the right reasons.

How Can You Get Involved?

As a Christian woman, you can support See You at the Pole Day while honoring its student-led nature. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

• Pray from Home or Nearby: Lift the students, schools, and communities in prayer during the event. You can pray alone at home or gather with others in a different location. This could be across the street from the school or a nearby church.
• Encourage Student Participation: Inspire the young people in your life to participate. Discuss the biblical basis for the event. Encourage them to join or lead prayers at their school’s flagpole.
• Connect with a Local Youth Group: Check with local churches to see how you can help promote See You at the Pole Day. You could help by organizing pre-event meetings. You might also distribute resources, like prayer guides, for the event. After the event, you could host a gathering to encourage students to reflect on their experiences.
• Provide Practical Support: Help with logistics. This can include bringing snacks for a planning meeting. You can also assist students in making posters to promote the event, if allowed by the school.
• Model Humble Faith: Reflect the humility emphasized in Matthew 6:5-6 by supporting the event with a heart focused on God. Your quiet encouragement and prayers can inspire students to lead with confidence and sincerity.

By taking these steps, you can uplift the students leading See You at the Pole Day. Visit syatp.com for additional resources, including prayer guides and tips, to make your involvement as impactful as possible.

Have you ever participated in See You at the Pole Day? What other tips can you share for those who want to get involved?