"For you are precious in my eyes" 

Isaiah tells us that we are made by God and we are unique and special. It is God’s word that we hear and work hard to follow in things that we say and in things that we do. 

In our prayer and liturgy we use Scripture as a starting point, with God’s word as the focus of our prayers and thoughts.  Opportunities are provided to use the Scriptures to celebrate and gather together so we can demonstrate the glory of God in our lives.

Across school, prayer time is a time for reflection as well as worship, with words from Scripture inspiring the pupils to think and reflect deeply on what God's word means for us today, in our everyday lives.

As children move through school, they take an increasingly active role in planning and leading Prayer & Worship. This is a responsibility which our children welcome and respect, sharing the word of God thoughtfully and reverently with their peers.

July 2026

July brings the school year towards a close. For many families, end-of-term events, goodbyes, changes of routine and the summer holidays ahead can bring a mixture of excitement, tiredness and anticipation. Children may be looking back on all they have learned, while also preparing for a different pace over the weeks to come.

As the term ends, there is a gentle opportunity to pause, give thanks and look forward with hope for all the good things to come.

This newsletter shares some of the content children will experience in school throughout July, and suggests ways for you to engage with them about it. We hope it is a useful resource for your family prayer time.

READY TO REST

In the week beginning 6 July, children will think about the importance of rest. As the end of the school year approaches, they will reflect on how rest helps their minds and bodies recover, gives them fresh energy, and supports their mood and memory.

Children will hear Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for true rest (Matthew 11:25–30) as they are encouraged to bring their worries, concerns and tiredness to Jesus. Through meditation, children will spend some personal time resting with Jesus; trusting that He gives us strength, hope and shows us a gentle, simple way to live.

With your child/ren, you may also like to…

• Talk about why rest is important, especially at the end of a busy school year.
• Spend one quiet minute together, resting your bodies and minds.
• Ask if there is anything making them feel worried or weighed down.
• Think of one way your family could make someone else’s burden lighter this week.

GOOD SOIL

In the week beginning 13 July, children will reflect on the school year and give thanks for the good things they have received, the opportunities they have been given, and the ways they have grown.

Children will hear the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23) where Jesus speaks about receiving the living Word of God, with a reminder that God’s Word can live and grow in their hearts and lives. Children will remember that God is always with them, guiding and encouraging them to listen and respond through kindness, honesty, patience, hope and love.

With your child/ren, you may also like to…

• Talk with your child about the school year and invite them to share one way they have grown or changed.
• Plant a seed together in the garden or in a pot indoors, noticing what helps it to grow well.
• Read a short passage from the Bible together and share any words or phrases that stood out for you.

GRATITUDE TO GOD

In the prayers for the week beginning 6 July, children will echo Jesus’ prayer of thanks to God the Father. They will give thanks for God’s grace, love, patience and generosity, and think about how gratitude can shape the way they treat others each day.

You may like to use this prayer in your family prayer time:

Heavenly Father,

We love you and trust in you.

Help us to show our gratitude for all your gifts

through giving grace and love,

patience and generosity,

to those we meet today.

Amen