Christian prayer
Christian prayer is an important component of both communal and individual worship. It is an expression of the relationship God has established with his people through Jesus Christ. It is a conversation with God which God initiates. Christians speak to God because God has spoken to them and invites them to speak with him (Kleinig: 151-217).
Prayer in Lutheran schools
Lutheran schools provide a great opportunity to foster communal and individual prayer. Prayer may not be an integral part of a child’s life but may become so through experience of prayer in the school context. Planning corporate prayer may provide a way to include students who may not be Christian or who do not wish to participate publicly in leading prayers. Prayer will be part of the formal school worship and also daily devotions in the classroom. The day may begin and end in prayer, grace said before the lunch meal, opportunities to pray for members of the class, at birthdays, in times of difficulty, giving thanks for good things which have happened. Sometimes discussions in the classroom can lead to an opportunity to pray about what is being discussed, for example poverty, hunger, sickness, disasters, but also for the wonder of God’s creation, the beauty and complexity of the world and the excitement of life and learning. Prayer will also play a vital role in situations of pastoral care and counselling and the practice of ‘restorative justice’ or confession and absolution. It may be important in one-on-one situations to ask for permission to pray for an individual and in this way communicate respect for that individual. (Malcolm Bartsch 2013. p 236)
It is important that staff model prayer in school life. Students need to be aware that the principal, school pastor and other members of the staff pray regularly for the school, for each other and for individuals in the school. … Class teachers can indicate that they pray regularly for each member of a class and can invite the students to pray for them and for all teachers and others who work in the schools.(Malcolm Bartsch 2013. p237)
In response to the request of his disciples to teach them to pray, Jesus gave his own prayer to his followers (Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:1-4).