Celebrating Prayer Rituals in the Classroom
Prayer in schools policy- Brisbane Catholic Education
Prayer is an integral part of the life of a Catholic school and has the potential to nourish the spiritual growth of students.
Purpose
This policy is designed to support the promotion of prayer in schools and is applicable to those involved in prayer experiences within the school community.
1. Scheduled time is allocated for prayer each day.
2. Students are taught the formal prayers of the church as specified in the religious education curriculum.
3. Opportunities are provided for students to experience a variety of prayer forms in the Christian tradition.
4. Regular opportunities for staff prayer are provided.
5. The development of prayer and Christian meditation groups in school communities is encouraged.
Prayer ideas
We Gather
Leave the ordinary - creating a space both externally and on the inside. Inform students about what is expected, why and how it can help them to focus, be present or be mindful. What will the space look like? Will it change? Will the students help to plan for it and create it? How will it be kept simple? Preparing the mind and body to enter into prayer:
- Prayer chime or bell.
- Rainstick
- Light a candle, followed by 30 seconds of silence
- The Sign of the Cross
- Reflective Music
- Holding a cross or bible and waiting for silence
- A greeting and response- peace be with you/ and with your Spirit
- Let us be still, let us be silent, let us pray
- Asking students to breathe mindfully.
We Listen
- Listen to a Bible reading.
- Listen to a hymn.
- Listen to a story about a saint or holy person.
We Respond
- Create a prayer of petition or intercession, using an appropriate prayer structure, such as a litany, to demonstrate an understanding of the role of prayers of petition and prayers of intercession for Christians.
- Create a prayer of blessing for a particular purpose (e.g. grandparents’ day, mothers’ day, fathers’ day, sick class member) using an appropriate prayer structure.
- Participate respectfully in meditative prayer.
- Sing a hymn chorus.
- Pray in colour- mandala/praying in colour for intentions.
We Go Forth
- Teachers can model the simple use of the “You-Who-Do-Through” framework for all prayer when composing prayers of thanks.
e.g. Generous God, thank you for our class- for our friends, for feeling safe and happy, for all the new things we learn each day. May we use all that we learn to help our world to be a better place. We make this prayer through Jesus, our brother. Amen.
Sample prayer
We Gather
Today our focus for prayer will be the celebration of Pentecost.
We pray for stillness.
ALL: We pray for stillness.
We pray for peace.
ALL: We pray for peace.
We pray for courage.
ALL: We pray for courage.
Let us make the Sign of the Cross.
All: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Leader:
As the chime sounds, we call forth peace in our minds and hearts.
Sound chime and pause...
We Listen
Leader:
Jesus told his apostles to wait in hope for the Holy Spirit as promised by the Father. Let us listen to the reading that tells of the coming of the Holy Spirit and of the gifts that were brought by the Spirit to bring the apostles courage and strength. They were then able to go out into the world once more.
Reader:
A reading from Acts: (2:1-4 NRSVCE)
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
We Respond
Leader:
Let us pray …
Our response will be - Be with us Holy Spirit.
All: Be with us Holy Spirit.
Reader: May we receive courage to make wise choices in our lives.
All: Be with us Holy Spirit.
Reader: May we receive courage to stand up for others who are bullied or victimized in any way.
All: Be with us Holy Spirit.
Reader: May we receive courage to recognise our gifts and use them for others’ benefit.
All: Be with us Holy Spirit.
We Go Forth
Leader:
Let us pray a blessing on all of us gathered here today:
May the Spirit of God guide our decision-making.
All: Amen
May the Spirit of God comfort us and keep us from harm.
All: Amen
May the Spirit of God inspire us to be the best we can possibly be.
All: Amen
May the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit come down on us and remain with us forever. +
All: Amen
Sound chime and pause …
Let us go into this day filled with the courage and strength of the Spirit.