This, believe it or not, is me. I was 17, a bit of a goth, I had a lot more hair, and I was at St Edwards C of E Comprehensive School, studying Maths and Economics and Art with Art History 'A' levels.
This week, I'm back there to help host their very first 24-7 prayer room.
This the second prayer room we've done in/around Romford... the first was at Frances Bardsley School for Girls, where Megan goes. We had an amazing week there, back in November 2008, and you can find my daily reports here - day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5. We're back there to host a second week in July, which is very exciting.
Sadly, I couldn't join the rest of our team in St Edward's today, so it was wonderful to receive this email-report from Marcus;
"Just to let you all know that we had six lessons come in, three Year 9 and three Year 7 plus at least 50-60 students through the doors during break, lunch and after school.
We were blown away by the desire of the students to engage with all the various stations and the willingness to use the prayer chair which proved popular during some of the later lessons.
The Head Teacher came over and engaged and was very open to what we were doing. Plus, he had a chance to hear a student offer this feedback - ‘This room is really cool, they should make it into a club!’ Bring it on!!!"
Marcus also texted a bit earlier to say that 207 students had visited the room today... and that they'd run out of post-it notes, pegs, paper, etc. so a visit to Asda was necessary before tomorrow! Ha ha.
I'll be there tomorrow, so I'll take some pics of the prayer stations we're testing out this time. The Prayer Chair that Marcus mentioned is simply a chair in the middle of a carpetted area where students can sit and be prayed for by one of the prayer room team/guides. Sounds like it's been popular? I can't wait to see for myself...
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At the moment, 24-7 prayer are actively encouraging youth and schools workers all over the UK to set up prayer rooms in schools, both primary and secondary. We're finishing a pack of resources that will contain loads of practical advice and information, as well as a outline of the vision that we feel Holy Spirit has inspired ('in-spired', literally 'in-breathed') us with - for prayer rooms in loads of (every?!) school. Sacred spaces in school.
If you're interested, or if you're already doing this stuff this somewhere, please pop me an email. We'd love to conspire ('con-spire', literally 'with-breathe') with you.
A little reminder from Frances Bardsley;
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