Prayer Points

1. Returning to school after half term

• Pray for renewed energy for teachers, support staff and pupils as they return to school, and for strength through the busy run-up to Christmas.

• Give thanks for the many opportunities to speak about Jesus through carol services, nativity performances, assemblies and RE lessons this term.

• Pray that Christian teachers would make the most of these opportunities with wisdom, warmth and confidence, pointing pupils and colleagues to the hope of the gospel.

2. The updated National Curriculum and RE

• Pray for the Department for Education as it prepares its National Curriculum consultation, now postponed until 'later in the year'. Pray that the process would not be rushed and that the additional time would be used wisely.

• Pray particularly for the development of a new National Curriculum for RE. May Christianity and other faiths and worldviews be represented accurately, with robust theological and philosophical content.

• Pray for those shaping and advising on the curriculum, that Christian voices would have opportunities to contribute constructively.

3.

• Tackling antisemitism in schools

  • Give thanks that the government has recognised the seriousness of antisemitism and is taking steps to address it in schools.

  • Pray that schools would be equipped to recognise and respond appropriately to anti-Jewish hatred, with effective training and safeguarding procedures.

  • Pray against antisemitism and any kind of behaviour that demonises particular grpu[s in our schools and wider society. Pray that Christians would be courageous in challenging prejudice and promoting truth and respect, even when we have different opinions on sensitive topics.