How and when was IOS started?

Inspire Our Schools was started in 2018 by a parent with a vision to have every school in her district prayed for. Each year the event has grown, and now we have hundreds of people praying over schools all over Iowa.

Is Inspire Our Schools a non-profit organization?

No, actually the whole event is volunteer led, organized, and funded.

Why is the event called “Inspire Our Schools”?

The word “inspire” means to breathe air into or upon, to infuse (something, such as life) by breathing. We are breathing the Holy Spirit into our schools through prayer.

Who should come to the event?

Although this is a non-denominational Christian event, the entire community is invited and encouraged to attend.

How often does this event happen?

Inspire Our Schools is an annual event that is held on a Sunday in August, near the first day of school, at 7PM.

How does this event get planned/orchestrated?

Volunteer District Coordinators secure consent from their school district to hold the Inspire Our Schools event, and then search for volunteer Prayer Leaders for each school and school building (admin. office, bus barn, etc.) in their district. Then, these Prayer Leaders show-up at their assigned school the day of the event and lead attendees through a list of scripted prayers

What do you do at the event?

Upon arrival at 7 pm, go to the main entrance of any participating school. There you will find a volunteer Prayer Leader. The Prayer Leader will lead the group through a set of scripted prayers outside of the school building. Each participating school will say the same prayers. Feel free to follow along with the prayers, as they are posted on our website!

Are there different days for each school’s event?

No, all participating schools will hold their own Inspire Our Schools event at the same date & time. Simply choose which school you want to attend and show up at 7 pm. The prayers and event are the same at every school.

Do we go inside the school during the event?

No, all of the prayers are said outside of the school building.

How long does the event last?

Most events typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Is this event sponsored by the participating school districts?

While the participating districts have given their consent for this event,  it is not a district event, nor is it in any way endorsed or sponsored by the districts involved. This event is entirely volunteer led, organized, and funded.

How can you hold a religious event at a public school?

The school grounds are public property, however a volunteer has secured consent from the superintendent of the school districts that are involved. This event is in no way endorsed or sponsored by any school or school district.

Why isn’t my school listed as participating?

We have not secured a volunteer Prayer Leader for that school.

How can I get my school district involved?

Read more about serving as a District Coordinator & then sign-up!