Spirituality, Reflection and Prayer

Children’s spiritual development is key at St Mary and All Saints CE Primary School. We want children to develop a clear sense of themselves, others and beyond this by the time they leave our school. Please see our policies for RE, spirituality and collective worship to read more about how we do this on a daily basis.

At St Mary and All Saints CE Primary School we give children and adults the opportunity to articulate and explore their spiritual development to enable them to grow flourish in this area. Things links closely with our school vision.

What is meant by Spirituality?

At St Mary and All Saints CE Primary School we aim to give all children opportunities to think about themselves, others, beauty and creation and the world beyond us. We encourage children to become independent thinkers and wonderers. We model an environment of inclusion and respect. We allow children the space, process, imagination, relationships, intimacy and trust to be spiritual beings.

Spirituality concerns a person’s relationship with themselves, with others, with God (or the transcendent), and with nature and the environment. These four elements: self; others; transcendence and beauty form the basis of our work with children in developing a strong sense of spirituality.

Adults within the school community are encouraged to develop their own spirituality for their own well-being, so that they can effectively support and help our children and each other.

The Four Elements

Self

  • Awareness of feelings; ability to reflect and express
  • Awareness of our uniqueness; happiness with who we are
  • Gratitude for the things we have and the person we are
  • Exploration of personal faith
  • Development of imagination and creativity

Others

  • Empathy and understanding; respect, tolerance
  • To love and be loved.
  • Making a difference; duty

Transcendence (Beyond)

  • Encountering/experiencing God (having a sense of what lies beyond the material/physical)
  • Ability to formulate and discuss the ‘Big Questions’ (e.g about life, death, suffering)
  • Opportunities for prayer, connecting with God
  • Making sense of the world around us and the wider world

Wonder and beauty

  • Developing a sense of awe and wonder
  • Enjoying the miracles of everyday life
  • Taking time for what really matters
  • Appreciating beauty in art, music, nature

Prayer

Prayer is a central part of our Christian distinctiveness at St May and All Saints CE Primary School. Children are taught about what prayer is and given opportunities each day to engage in collective prayer, reflection and silent prayer and their own personal prayer if they choose to. Children often choose to pause and offer a prayer in their class reflection areas or our designated school prayer room.

Reflection Spaces

All classrooms have Reflection spaces. They include copies of our school vision and values together with shared prayers and a godly play box linked to the bible verse our vision is based upon, The Good Shepherd.’ All children are encouraged to use this space creatively and to add things to the space.

Our Prayer Room

This term Revd. Jo, together with some staff, have worked on improving the prayer room. We wanted to improve the space so that children and adults of all faiths feel welcome to use it.

It is available to use solely for prayer during break times and over lunch by children and staff alike. We also have an adults prayer group which is organised by parents. They regularly work closely with the principal to identify them for prayer and are keen to grow this group.

If you have any prayer requests please post them in the post box in the main entrance by the principal’s office. We will pray about all requests received. If you wish your request to remain confidential, please make this clear. These requests will be passed directly to the vicar for her personal prayer.

Writing Prayers

Prayers can be written for special occasions or just made up as you go. In school we invite children to and staff to join in prayer during collective worship and at specific time of the day. Our children write prayers for collective worship and for services.

So what is Prayer?

Talking to God about anything on your mind.

Why do Christians pray?

Christians believe God hears and answer prayers. God says: “Call to me and I will answer you” Jeremiah 33:3

Who can pray?

Anyone and at any time!

What can I pray for?

We can thank God for good things.

We can praise him for the great things he has done, the world he has created and anything else!

We can say sorry when we get things wrong.

We can talk to him about things that trouble us.

We can ask God to help us or ask him for things we need.

Where can I pray?

Anywhere and at any time. You don’t need to be in worship or in church. You don’t need to close your eyes or put your hands together. Christians believe God hears us wherever we are and whenever we speak to him.

When you aren't sure what to pray...

Here are a few simple prayers that you could use to pray for yourself, your friends or your family. Each is introduced with a verse from the Bible.

  • Saying sorry - Colossians 3:13 'Forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven you'
    • Dear Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the times that I get it wrong. Please help me to have the courage to get it right, to show compassion to others just like you did. Amen
  • Feeling lonely - Joshua 1:9 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God goes with you wherever you go.
    • Loving God, I feel lonely and a little lost. Please be close to me and send people to be close to me and take care of me. Amen
  • Feeling thankful - Psalm 86:12 'I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.'
    • Thank you, Lord Jesus, for everything you give to us. For our friends, our families, our food and our homes. Amen
  • Feeling sad or worried - 1 Peter 5:7 'Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.'
    • Dear God, thank you know and understand everything, even when I feel frightened or sad. Help me to trust you because you love me and have promised to be with me always. Amen.
  • Feeling poorly - Isaiah 41:10 ' "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'
    • I feel poorly, Lord. Please help me to feel better soon. Help me not to be worried but to trust in you. Amen
  • At mealtimes - James 1:17 'Every good and perfect gift is from above'
    • Thank you Lord for all the good things you give us. Thank you for our food. Help us enjoy it! Amen
  • At bedtime - Psalm 121:5-6 'The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.'
    • Dear Lord, keep me safe while I sleep and help me have a good rest with happy dreams. Amen