Each morning at JA, a student goes to Director of Counseling Paula Pratt’s office to read a devotional to the school on the intercom. With this devotional reading, students spread God’s word throughout the school as announcements are being made at 8:15 a.m.
“I think it’s a special moment each morning where we can be renewed in God’s word and start off our day right,” said senior Emily Buchanan. She recently had the opportunity to share a devotion a year from the day she was baptized, so she also shared some of her story. Buchanan said, “Even though it’s kind of scary, it’s a special opportunity we get to have as seniors to leave our mark in a godly manner as this is our last year.”
Pratt offers three devotion books students can choose from or bring their own. This year, every senior has an opportunity to read a devotional. Last year, the student government officers read the devotionals. Pratt says reading the devotionals allows each student to speak in public, speak before the entire school, and offer a devotional that speaks to them personally.
The devotionals being student-led brings a community feel to the moment. Buchanan said it’s more sentimental for students, rather than faculty, to read the devotions each day because it’s always special to hear students share God’s word.
