“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10
At St Clare’s, we believe in nurturing the whole child – spiritually, emotionally, and socially. As part of our Catholic ethos and commitment to the spiritual development of all our pupils, we regularly create Prayer Spaces within school.
What is a Prayer Space?
A Prayer Space is a dedicated, peaceful area within school where children are invited to pause, reflect, and explore life’s big questions in a safe and creative way. These spaces are open to all – whether pupils have a strong personal faith or are simply curious. Each space offers the opportunity to reflect on themes such as forgiveness, gratitude, love, identity, relationships, and our global community.
Prayer Spaces are often hosted in collaboration with local church volunteers and can be set up in classrooms, halls, marquees, or outdoor areas, depending on the season and space available. They typically run for a few days, allowing children from all year groups to participate at different times throughout the school day.
What Happens in a Prayer Space?
Prayer Spaces are interactive, hands-on, and child-centred. Each station or activity encourages pupils to think, feel, and express in a way that is meaningful to them. Some examples include:
- ✍️ Writing or Drawing Prayers – sharing thoughts, worries, or hopes through words and pictures
- 💧 Letting Go Activities – dissolving a tablet in water or dropping a stone to symbolise release
- 🌱 Thankfulness Trees – writing messages of gratitude on leaves
- 🕯️ Candle Reflection – lighting a battery candle as a quiet symbol of hope or remembrance
- 🎨 Creative Making – modelling ideas with play-dough or creating paper hearts to reflect love and kindness
- 🤲 Stillness Stations – allowing time to be quiet, pray, or just be
These spaces are designed to be inclusive and respectful of all backgrounds, offering a warm welcome to every child and promoting mutual respect and understanding.
Why Are Prayer Spaces Important?
Prayer Spaces help children:
- Explore spirituality and faith in their own way
- Reflect on their emotions and life experiences
- Find moments of peace and calm during the busy school day
- Develop empathy, gratitude, and compassion
- Feel seen, heard, and supported
They also help us as a school to listen more deeply to our pupils’ inner world and identify ways we can further support their wellbeing and spiritual growth.
A Living Expression of Our Faith
Prayer Spaces are just one of the ways we bring our Catholic mission to life at St Clare’s. Rooted in Gospel values and guided by the Holy Spirit, we aim to help each child discover the light within them and share that light with the world.