Prayer

At St John’s First School, pupils are taught that prayer is a personal and meaningful way to communicate with God, and that it can take place anywhere and at any time. This understanding is nurtured through daily opportunities for prayer and reflection.

Prayers are said each morning during Collective Worship, at lunchtime to express gratitude, and at the end of the school day. Pupils are encouraged to lead prayers, with the freedom to select or compose a prayer of their choice. In the school hall, a dedicated worship table features a Children’s Prayer Bag, which contains prayers written by pupils. These may be chosen to be read aloud during whole-school worship, providing a platform for pupils’ spiritual expression.

Each classroom also contains a Prayer Table, serving as a quiet space for personal reflection. These areas may include Christian artefacts, Bibles, and occasionally interactive activities that support pupils in exploring their faith and spiritual development in a hands-on and age-appropriate way.

Once every term, our Youth Leader from the local church, Cathy, leads a Prayer Space experience for the whole school. These sessions offer pupils a chance to engage in personal reflection and prayer through a range of creative and thought-provoking activities. Each prayer space is thematically linked to one of our school’s chosen Christian values, encouraging pupils to explore these values in a deeper and more personal context. Families are invited to share in these experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual journey.