"It is really so difficult to pick just one memory because so many positive things happened, but I guess there was a moment when I was talking to a year 7 lad who said, "It's so cool to be able to think about God like this - I've never really done it before. I'm usually busy or out on my skateboard and stuff." It highlighted for me the whole reason I wanted to set up a prayer space - to give young people a chance to focus... to have a moment away from everything that distracts and discover that God is there listening to their heart cry. To discover that prayer is not just part of a religious ceremony but a natural conversation that can take place anywhere at any time."

Gary Watson is a part-time teaching assistant at Beccles Middle School in Suffolk, and he also works part-time for his local church, New Life Christian Fellowship. Having visited a Prayer Spaces in Schools workshop in July this year, Gary and a small team drawn from four local churches talked with the school, and opened their first 'Open Space' on 26th September. Having anticipated a bit of sceptism, Gary was amazed at how overwhelming supportive the staff were. “Even if it only helps one person it would all be worth it wouldn’t it,” said the deputy headteacher on one occasion.

The students and staff all responded well;

"I get it now," said a year 7 boy, having heard an explanation of Jesus' death on the cross, and how it links with forgiveness.

"It would be really good to get all the staff through here as part of our wellbeing scheme." Mr White, head of year 8

Some staff were almost in tears as they read the student's prayers. One said that the Open Space had moved him deeply.

"My friend is an Atheist and he didn't want to come. He was saying Open Space? More like Waste of Space. Then he came and he thought it was so cool and he loved it," said one year 7 girl

"So could you pray for me now for God to speak to me?" Year 8 boy

"I'll come on Thursday and Friday and Saturday!" Year 6 boy, when it was suggested we open Thursday lunchtime

"I didn't know God cared about me. Now I do." Year 8 girl

"I do not know where this will take me in my service for Jesus but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this part of the journey. Seeing young people catching a glimpse of grace and love God offers as they reach out to Him in such a natural way has been a rare privilege and I hope to see it again and again." Gary Watson

If you're based in Suffolk and would like to find out more about what Gary and the Open Space team are talking about and planning, please email us and we'll put you in touch with them.

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.