"It has been excellent to have the Prayer Space in school again this term," writes Wesley Menlove, the Head of History at Frances Bardsley School for Girls in Romford. This is the fifth Prayer Space that FBS have hosted since 2008, but it was the first to be hosted in their brand new 'Wellspring' room, a permanent prayer and reflection room in the heart of the school.

"The school’s Wellspring room has been creatively transformed into a dynamic series of spaces that encourage us to leave our worries behind, ask for forgiveness for the things we do wrong and offer up a prayer for our own lives or those of others. The layout transformed the room into an enticing space which pulled you in, the atmosphere was thoughtful and contemplative something quite surprising given that there was a large group of Year 9 students visiting the space at the time.

The students interacted with the displays and activities in a mature and sensible manner. They genuinely seemed to appreciate the opportunity to reflect on their own lives and responded positively to the idea that there might be a God out there to pray to. Some students spontaneously picked up the Bibles available at the end and began reading.

The availability of other adults for the students to discuss their thoughts with and asks questions of is a huge plus. This does not force religion on anyone but gives everyone who visits an opportunity to think and wonder, an invaluable tool for any school."

Wesley Menlove is the Head of History at Frances Bardsley School for Girls in Romford

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.