"I have rarely been so excited as the three days we ran the Prayer Space! The school were very positive about it and many teachers said that it was great for the children to have something so different in the school and that it provided valuable space for thinking and reflection.

The children really enjoyed the Prayer Space.We work with children and young people from five years old all the way through to their late teens, and we often encounter cynicism regarding God and what it means to be a Christian. In the three days we were in school however, we didn't hear one child doubt the existence of God! Some children came back at lunch time and we also ran two after school sessions, which a total of about 30 children came to and they all said that they wanted to be friends with God. Some children asked if the prayer space could stay in their school, and others still ask when we are going to have another one.

Some of the memorable conversations were;

Using a bowl of sand as a prop, a team member explained to some nine and ten year old girls that God thinks of them more than the number of grains of sand upon the beach. The girls were enthralled and absolutely delighted with this.

We also had a giant story book of the Easter story and the children loved crowding onto the sofa and hearing it read to them. One young boy really identified with Jesus on the cross being ridiculed and beaten. He told of his struggles with being bullied, which meant we could talk and pray with him.

One of the prayer zones was entitled, 'To make a difference in the world, I will...', and here's what some of the children wrote;

“Help people and pick up rubbish for people.”

“Make a difference to my mom by doing what she asks me to do.”

“To make a big difference in the school I will be more kind to everyone.”

“Stop stealing from other people.”

“Send food to Japan after the Tsunami.”

“Tidy my bedroom for Mom."

“Try to stop lying at school and home.”

“Stop fights.”

“Pray.”

“Share toys and sweets.”

“Stop arguing with my sister.”

“Try and walk or bike or scoot to school instead of coming in the car.”

“Take more care of my little brother and sister.”

“Give some money to people in poverty.”

Sophie Llewelyn is part of the Urban Devotion team, based on the Perry Common estate in Birmingham. Urban Devotion is a long term project to see community development and social transformation through the message and life of Jesus. They work with young people and families, via partnerships across the area. Urban Devotion are starting to host Prayer Spaces in local schools.

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.