So, September 12th 2011 was a very surreal day for me. As I stepped back and surveyed the room, which had been transformed from a structured classroom to a place of welcome and creative reflection, it hit me once again that we were actually doing a prayer space in Northfield Academy.

After months and months of praying, and through a string of random events, I met people who were connected with the school and I was shocked to hear that Northfield Academy were asking for a prayer space to be done there! So, as I prepared my wee lesson on prayer for our first class of the week, my heart was filled with excitement, anticipation, and thankfulness.

Throughout the week, time and time again, the pupils who were expected by their teachers to be "sulky" and not engage were the ones buzzing around the room and asking for passes to return during their lunch break.

Pupils commented on the “peace” in the room, how good it felt to say sorry for things that had been weighing on their hearts, how much better they felt after dropping a stone into the basin of water and “letting go” of the things stressing and worrying them. It was encouraging to watch them read the prayer requests other classes had posted up and then expressing compassion for their fellow pupils or expressing prayers of compassion for others around the world who are less fortunate.

I think I'll finish by letting the pupils speak for themselves. Here is some more feedback from Northfield Academy:

“My favourite activity was the prayer wall because you got to share your feelings.” – S1 pupil

“I liked the stones in the basin because it made you think about the bad things then made you stop worrying.”  - S1 Pupil

“I would like to see prayer space again as it is a good way to let your feelings out.” – S1 Pupil

“It is successful because it helps you inside.” – S3 Pupil

“It was good to see what is happening in other countries like India and how different they are compared to Britain.”  - S3 Pupil

“It made me think differently than I usually think.”  - S3 Pupil

“It was kind of useful seeing what other people thought.  That made me think.” – S3 Pupil

“My favourite activity was the mirror because I felt like I could accept me for being me and it made me happy.”  - S5 Pupil

“I thought [it] was useful because it was a nice place to be, it made you realise some of the things/people you take for granted that others don’t have.” –S5 Pupil

“I thought it was useful as it helped me get a lot of things out that were bottled up inside.”  –S5 Pupil

“It gave everyone the chance to voice their opinion and ask questions that were on their mind.” –S5 Pupil

“It gave me a feeling of being at peace for once in my life.” – S5 Pupil

Crystal Cryer is an American with a big heart for Aberdeen - she's been there for many years, and is likely to be there for many years more. Crystal's life has recently been 'taken over' by Prayer Spaces in Schools - after praying for things to take off in the city, she's now helping teachers and people from various churches to develop and host at least half-a-dozen prayer spaces in schools around Aberdeen. You can get in touch with her via 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.