Last week youth workers, teachers and parents from all over the United Kingdom gathered in the centre of London to dream and discuss what prayer spaces in school could look like in our nation. Many people have already had prayer spaces in local schools, others wanted to learn more about how to deliver spaces and some wanted to learn more about the vision.

We have delivered 4 prayer spaces in two schools over the past couple of years which have proved to work very well and are now looking to build something substantial that fits in line with our mission to “transform communities.” With this is mind I went along to draw ideas from people who have been doing prayer spaces, and gain an understanding of how to support it for the long term. The day was split in to seminars and workshops which looked at how to do prayer spaces, the theology involved and how to build upon what already exists. There were example prayer stations set out at the back of the room with a time line of all the prayer rooms that have been done to date. This line stretched the width of the room and was scattered with stories of how prayer rooms are being received, and how they are shaping they way in which spirituality is being addressed in schools.

This idea is one that is spreading quickly and has potential to shape our schools and our communities. We are now putting a strategy and vision together to support and facilitate prayer spaces in schools through the Guildford area. If you would like to get involved or would like more information then contact emma@matrixtrust.com.