Spirituality, Reflection and Prayer

Children's spiritual development is key at St Mary’s Primary School. We want children to develop a clear sense of themselves, others and the beyond 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’s we give children and adults the opportunity to articulate and explore their spiritual development to enable them to flourish in this area.

What is meant by Spirituality?

We recognise that the concept of spirituality is difficult to define however to have a shared vision for spirituality as a school we have worked with all stakeholders to work towards a shared understanding of what spirituality means to use at St Mary’s and how we support everyone to develop this within our school. At St Mary’s 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. We have developed areas in school where children can come to reflect, be still and develop their spirituality. 

Prayer

Prayer is a central part of our Christian distinctiveness at school. Children are taught about what prayer is and given opportunities each day to engage in collective invitational prayer, reflection, 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 central school prayer area. We also explore BIG QUESTIONS with children.

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 - Colossions 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

Our School Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for our school.

Help us to show respect,


Help us to grow in wisdom,


Help us to be generous and kind.

Bless our community,

so we can shine our light brightly,

just as Jesus taught us.

Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your Kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom,

the power and the glory are yours.

Now and forever.

Amen.