Praying with Children and Young People

Prayer Spaces in Schools gives you all you need for a local team to set up a temporary prayer room in a local school or college. A classroom or other space can become a place where children or young people can explore faith and spirituality from a broadly Christian perspective in safe, creative and interactive way. Website here

Case study: Stoborough and Wareham St Mary
I set up a prayer space in a primary school for two weeks before Easter. The children loved it! Most of the prayer stations had something to do; writing your name on the hand of God, putting beads in the thank-you bowl, or looking at 'the person Jesus loves' in a mirror. There was a space to just sit and be - which they did - and I created atmosphere with colours and lights. Real candles were not an option, but battery powered lights were very effective and lasted ages. This particular prayer space was in a place that people regularly walk through, so many staff and parents engaged with it, too - a great bonus. It took time to set up, but it was just a gazebo with coloured material, very ordinary craft supplies, and a few bits of school furniture. A member of staff remarked, "It’s great - it’s just that we can’t get the children out of it!"
- Hilary Bond, School Governor and Ordinand

24-7 Prayer is an international, interdenominational movement of prayer, mission and justice working in more than half the nations on earth. They help millions of people in thousands of locations to encounter God and engage with the needs of the world. Their aim is to revive the church and rewire the culture through Prayer Rooms and Boiler Rooms. Visit their website for inspiration and resources.

Engaging children and young people in prayer during services
Use pictures and images projected on a screen, or on cards tas you pray the intercessions or the Eucharistic Prayer. Provide younger children with a liturgy box to help them follow and understand the different stages of a service. Other ideas to open up liturgical prayers are available in our Creative Liturgy Pack. Click here for resources.

Further resources
The Church of England's Going For Growth website provides links to a wide range of ideas and resources for praying with children and young people of all ages, from praying with under-5s to a series based on Mark 4.

Adviser for Work with Young People

Lizzie Whitbread
01722 746953
lizzie.whitbread@salisbury.anglican.org