“It was epic” - a space to reflect and pray

"Last month one of our classrooms was transformed again into a Prayer Space – a totally different environment with a range of activities to encourage students to slow down, pause and reflect.  Every year 7 student spent about half an hour in there as part of their Humanities lessons with many coming back at lunchtime.

Many of them commented on the peaceful atmosphere;
“THIS HAS BEEN AMAZING! This has made me feel relaxed”
“I let everything go. I can relax again”
“I like it, when you’re here you can express your feelings. Let out your anger and calm down. I think more people should do this”
“It made me feel like I could let out my worries”
“You could open up. Give yourself freedom”
“I like everything because it was all calm and peaceful and I don’t ever get like this ever”

So, what next? We can’t stop here.
“I like this room because it helps you actually put your secret thoughts out and I hope we can keep this room forever”; “...it was a comfort to know that this room is here”

But nor can we have a classroom full of activities all the time. So I’m working with a small group of students and the senior leadership to identify and set up a something that can be a permanent space where students can come at lunchtime to pause, think, reflect, pray and get themselves back on track.

And occasionally we’ll have a smaller version of last month’s Prayer Space. Starting with a special Remembrance Tree in the run-up to 11th November set up on the stage in the main school hall and providing an opportunity to add a leaf as a way of reflecting on those we love and remember for their impact on our own lives.

I’ve been overwhelmed by the whole experience. From the surprisingly positive response from school leaders; through the comments by students; to the requests from students and staff alike to extend the experience by developing permanent space(s) and opening up to older students in other parts of the school. This is so much a move of God with His hand at work at every stage that I can’t wait to see what He’s got in store for us next – I just hope I can keep up!"

Thanks to Jane Beckley and to Catherine Clayton for this exciting report and photos, and to the rest of the King Alfred's Secondary School team for a great week.

If you're hosting a Prayer Space, please let us know and send in your stories and photos if you'd like to encourage others with them. Stories stir faith and imagination. They help us to realise that the impossible isn't impossible.

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.