Prayer Spaces in Schools

My name is Anne Clague and I have been a member of Kerith Church for 20 years. I came to know Jesus as a child and since I was 15, wherever I have lived, in every church where I have worshipped, I have been involved in the children’s ministries. I am passionate about children knowing and following Jesus. Nowadays, however, only a small minority of families attend church.

In November, I was excited to be asked to join a new venture in Bracknell: Prayer Spaces in Schools. In an endeavour set up under the banner of 24/7 Prayer, Prayer Spaces is a movement of Christians who want to reach into the lives of children in their local schools to help them discover prayer. They do this by presenting groups of children with a range of different experiences to try out. Their website uses this definition: ‘Prayer spaces give children and young people a way to explore personal reflection and prayer for themselves using a selection of engaging and creative activities’.

So far, in our locality, two Headteachers have kindly welcomed us into their schools to lead what we have called ‘Discovery Workshops’.

Our team- five people at the time of writing- have been able to turn the school hall or large teaching space into a room which doesn’t feel like a classroom. We have set up activities around the room for children (and adults) to engage with. Classes of Key Stage 2 children (ages 7-11) have been brought by their teachers into the room for around 40 minutes at a time. The multi-sensory activities provide opportunities for the children to become aware of God and the possibility of communicating with Him, as well as encouraging them to think about their situations and emotions.

We have offered children the chance to say ‘Sorry’, ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’ to God. We have encouraged them to put the ‘Big Questions’ that are troubling them into words, as well as pondering themes such as forgiveness, peace, worries, loss, community and situations in the wider world.

It is quite hard work! We set up the space the evening before, and then run the sessions across the day before dismantling it all again. Despite the amount of work on the day and in preparation, it has been thoroughly worthwhile. We have set an expectation of quietness and slowness within the Prayer Spaces before the children enter and have been overwhelmed by their responses. How they have conducted themselves and involved themselves in the activities has been incredible.

The feedback we have received has been amazing and affirmative. Here are some of the comments from the school we visited a few weeks ago:

Children’s quotes:

‘I loved the tents because of the little lights that you could touch, and they made me feel peaceful’

‘It was calm, there was not lots of noise, I could focus.’

'Thank you for teaching me how to deal with my emotions and help me deal with my worries.'

One of the Headteachers commented:

‘It was lovely to see, as well, how you guided the children so that they got the best out of the sessions. I was speaking with some teachers and they all agreed on how peaceful and relaxing it felt. A governor said to me that her son went home talking about the workshop and explaining all the different activities that he was able to engage in.’

If, as you’re reading this, you are excited at the opportunities which Prayer Spaces offer in reaching children and young people who do not have any understanding of God, then you may be interested in finding out how you can become involved. Come and join us! It’s not scary and you don’t have to have had any previous experience of working in schools or children’s ministry.

We are excited to announce that Kerith Bracknell is hosting a training day on Saturday, 23rd March 2024. It will be an informative and helpful time to gather and meet with other Christians led by a team from ‘Prayer Spaces in Schools’, and hopefully, be inspired!

We are expecting lots of people from a wide area to come. Together, we can make a big impact on children’s lives.

We look forward to seeing you. Here is the link to book your place in the training.