"As a rural youth and children’s worker in Somerset, I cover a large area which has five primary schools. We are constantly looking to find ways in which we can serve our schools and build relationships between the schools and churches. Prayer Spaces in Schools was something I came across at a Youth Work Training Day and consequently God really put this on my heart. We hosted one day prayer spaces in the three schools during the summer of 2011. We were amazed at the response we received from both children and staff alike and were fascinated by the way children engaged during the time they spent in the prayer space.

With most groups it seemed like there just wasn’t enough time and we were constantly surprised when we realised they had to get back to class. Some quotes from children include:

“I like writing my prayer down, folding the paper and waiting for it to open in the water; then it went up to God.”

“I liked learning that you could pray in fun ways, not just putting your hands together – it was relaxing”

Some of the responses within the prayer spaces were a massive example of how much we can underestimate children, as they showed how they can pray some incredible prayers, ask some exceedingly profound questions and engage with God in a way that we as adults sometimes struggle with. We are planning to host further prayer spaces this summer and are excited about what God is doing in rural Somerset."

Cheryl Govier works with the Blackdown Benefice project in Somerset, which works with children and young people, both in and outside schools.

Posted by Phil

Phil Togwell is preparing to move North (Whitley Bay, near Newcastle, UK) with his family (three daughters - Megan, Poppy and Angel, and one wife - Emma). Phil is learning to cook, slowly. He likes curries, mountains, lengthy late-night conversations and reading books. He dislikes cats. Phil is part of 24-7 Prayer's GB team and leads the Prayer Spaces in Schools team.