Joy comes from
practising wonder
A framework for local churches to provide schools with a safe place for children to find calm and explore faith and wonder.
Rooted in Christian contemplative practices, designed for children of all faiths or none.
Children today are growing up in a whirlwind of a culture
One that’s distracted, busy and often anxious too. In this context, childhood can go by too fast, and spiritual development can easily get forgotten.
We need to offer a pause
A way for children of all faiths or none to keep remembering they are more than what they achieve.
Contemplative practices designed for schools
Contemplative practices have been used for hundreds of years to help people pause and reflect on who we are in relation to God, each other and the world.
These ancient Christian practices are vital for a disconnected society – and they’re an accessible way for children to discover a vibrant spiritual inner life.
What students say
How churches can help schools create room for spiritual growth
Schools long to give children room to slow down – to wonder, to breathe, and engage with the deeper questions of life. But many simply don’t have the resources or time.
Meanwhile, churches contain people who ache to serve this need – who can’t wait to nurture the spiritual life of children. With the right training and support, they can provide a safe space for children of all faiths or none to develop spiritually – through prayer spaces, retreats and pilgrimages.
Prayer spaces
A meaningful pause in the rhythm of the school day.
A prayer space is a creative place designed for children to slow down, wonder, and be curious about questions of meaning and purpose.
With sessions lasting 45 minutes, or the length of a lesson period, they’re a way for children to discover tools for resilience and joy that they can practice even after they leave the prayer space.
Retreats
An extended time of stillness to help pupils discover inner stillness.
Retreats are a way to disconnect from the hurry of the world and connect with the sacred for an entire day. It might be a natural step for a school after trialling a prayer space.
They involve five exercises: To still our minds, notice what’s important, dwell in scripture using imagination, mend our relationships, and bless others.
Pilgrimages
Exploring ourselves and the sacred through a physical journey.
Pilgrimages follow the ancient practice of walking to a series of waypoints designed for reflection – this can be adapted for a school’s needs but can be local, and usually ends in some form of collective worship.
We’re piloting pilgrimages in 2026. Let us know if you’d like to explore the concept with us.
“In a world which often focuses too much on what you do, or fail to do, the opportunity to be told that you are loved for who you are is a great gift.”
–Volunteer feedback
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