School might be out for the summer, but children from the Tudor Grange Samworth Academy were given something to think and pray about before they broke-up for the holidays.
During the last weeks of term, a team from St Christopher’s Church on Saffron Lane in Leicester spent time over three days with the pupils, running an interactive ‘Prayer Space’ around a number of thought-provoking and topical themes.
Led by Chris Collins, vicar of St Christopher’s, it was an opportunity for young people of Christian faith, other faiths and none, to pray interactively, with hands-on activities set around the Environment, Forgiveness, Refugees, the World, Calmness, and Feelings.
Children aged between 9 and 13, from school years 5-8, were invited to take part during lesson time, though it wasn’t a compulsory exercise, and they could participate as little or as much as they wished.
Some prayer stations involved writing prayers or drawing, whilst other activities included different kinaesthetic actions such as watching the glitter in 'calm jars' settle or imagining what it's like to be a refugee by making decisions about what items to pack in a bag.
The team running the activities was mainly made up of St. Christopher's church members, alongside staff from the school, and was an extension of the ongoing partnership between church and school, which Chris says incorporates a variety of elements involving both pupils and staff.
“It was great to see that the vast majority of pupils readily participated in the Prayer Space,” says Chris.
“There were some written prayers which seemed really heartfelt, and so it was good to watch the children get to grips with some big issues in their lives and the wider world, whilst also bringing to bear something of what the Bible teaches about these issues.
“Our prayer station themed around forgiveness seemed to be the place where some students were quite moved - their quietness and serenity was obvious as they engaged with it.”
Chris believes it’s important for young people to be challenged to think about themselves and the world in ways they perhaps have not before – including those who would describe themselves as having no faith.
He says: “Some pupils might be familiar with prayer, but many are not - these activities give them a chance to pray in ways which will likely be new, challenging and thought-provoking to them.”
*Chris is happy to have a chat with anyone who is considering creating a Prayer Space in their local school and would appreciate some advice. You can contact him on 07774346871 or at misterchristophercollins@gmail.com