Christians believe that,

having been created by God,

we are intended to live in relationship with God.

Prayer fosters,
strengthens, supports
and builds our
relationship with God.
 Why do we pray?
• We pray to strengthen our relationship with God
• We pray because Jesus prayed

When do we pray?
Jesus prayed at any time of
the day and sometimes all night
• Helping students to pray is important – they
have a need and a right to develop a prayer life

• Prayer is rooted in an awareness of a personal

relationship with God

• This is more than ‘learning prayers’

• Students should be introduced to a range of

ways to pray

• Students’ depth of spirituality should never be

underestimated
Students meet prayer in:
• Classroom Prayer

• Informal Prayer

• Whole school prayer

• Formal/ritual/sacramental
worship
Gathering…
• Quiet, reflective music

• Gather - in a circle if possible

• Prayer focus - central/visible

• Light candle, representing Jesus’ presence among us

• Sign of the Cross – English/Maori/other

• Share theme (if appropriate)

• Opening Prayer – same every day/varied

 One Basic Prayer Format:
• Opening prayer – Morning Offering/Traditional prayer

• Scripture Reading/story/saint’s life

• Reflection: what did you hear?

• Spontaneous prayer

• Closing prayer
• Hymn/song to begin and/or end