School Prayers
Prayer is a spontaneous expression of joy, sadness and other emotions, and leads to a growing awareness of self and others in the world, and our relationship with God. Informal prayers can arise from children’s simple everyday experiences and this can encourage them to be focused, still, quiet or expressively joyful.
Children are encouraged to write their own prayers throughout the school.
Formal prayers are introduced gradually throughout the primary years (Appendix 1). Children will become familiar with them through hearing them said and joining in. They may focus on phrases which are appropriate to topics or sing simple prayers and phrases set to music.
Appendix 1
Traditional Prayers are introduced to children in line with the Come and See guidance as follows. Additionally, those marked with an * can be learnt by memory:
Age 3-5 years
Sign of the cross*
Our Father
Hail Mary
Morning and Evening prayers
Prayers before and after meals
Simple responses at Mass
Greeting the Gospel (acclamation)
Simple litanies of thanks and praise
Prayerful reflection on the day
Prayers for the blessing of the Advent wreath / candles
Age 5-7 years
All those listed above, plus:
Our Father*
Hail Mary*
Glory Be to the Father*
Morning offering*
Grace at Meals*
Act of Sorrow*
Mass responses*
Prayers at Mass
Prayers used at Baptism
Prayer for Lent (This is the wood of the cross)
Simple examination of conscience / review of the day
Age 7-11 years
All those listed above, plus
I confess*
Angelus*
Benedictus (Luke 1:67-79)
Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Eternal rest*
Act of Contrition*
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Stations of the Cross
Prayers at Mass:
Penitential Rite
Glory to God
Creed
Offertory prayers
Eucharisitic Prayers for Masses with Children
Holy, holy*
Lamb of God*
Rite of dismissal
Litany of the Saints
Prayers used for Scaramental rites
Prayers from the litugy for special feasts
Funeral Mass prayers
Blessing and giving of ashes
Saints’ prayers eg St Teresa of Avila, St Francis of Assisi
Some simple phrases from the Psalms