"There was a buzz in the room as 54 Christians from various schools and churches in West Sussex came together to share a meal, and hear from Phil and Catherine, some of the stories of Prayer Spaces in Schools.

The event was held at the Dalesdown Centre, (the best and biggest prayer space on the South Downs), to envision and encourage us to see how Prayer Spaces in Schools could become a reality in the area.

God certainly stirred us up and here are some feedback comments:

“Thank you so much for such a good evening yesterday. A wonderful meal with lovely company and such inspired speakers. I came home ‘buzzing’ and this morning at our weekly staff prayer meeting we have discussed ideas for a prayer space and we are ‘raring’ to go!!”

“I work in 25 primary and infant schools in the Brighton Hove, Lewes area taking assemblies, lunch clubs and RE lessons and I am SOO excited and inspired by the thought of expanding this ministry with Prayer Spaces.  It really brings tears to my eyes!  I have had so many amazingly special times with children in these zones and the thought it could be duplicated in school situation is amazing.”

“Went to the meeting Phil and Catherine were at in West Sussex (near Horsham) yesterday evening. Another great time sharing the vision and practicalities of PSiS. The Diocesan Director of Ed. for Chichester Anglican Diocese was there and I encouraged him to think about some funding for PSiS resources!”

“Thanks for an amazing evening, I am taking it back to my school and will pray for an opening! It was great to link up with other Christians in Education.” 

So this could be a good model of how to spread the word among teachers, governors and schools workers. Bring it on!"

Annabelle Blackaby works for Splash! Schools. Splash! is a Christian charity working with children, families and young people within schools and at the heart of local communities in rural West Sussex. Splash! currently works in 19 different local schools using puppets, drama, quizzes, music and story-telling in a variety of settings:- assemblies, lunch-clubs, after-school activity clubs and RE & PHSE lessons.

To find out more about Splash!, visit their website.

To visit a Prayer Spaces in Schools workshop near you, or to organise one, please email us at info@prayerspacesinschools.com

Posted by Phil

Phil Togwell lives in a large community house in Romford (UK) with his family (three daughters - Megan, Poppy and Angel, and one wife - Emma) and various visitors and pilgrims... exploring and experimenting with rhythms of prayer, mission, hospitality, life together. Phil is learning to cook, slowly. He likes curries, mountains, lengthy late-night conversations and reading books. He dislikes cats. Phil leads 24-7 Prayer's UK team and the Prayer Spaces in Schools team.