Research into Children's Perception of Prayer

Investigating the meaning and function of prayer for children in selected primary schools in Melbourne Australia. This research contributes new data to the field of children?s spirituality, providing aspects of theory with implications for professionals involved in the education and welfare of children. Considerable agreement has been observed through the data, between children educated in a variety of school systems embracing different philosophical and faith traditions. Catholic, Independent, Christian (parent-controlled), Orthodox Jewish, Islamic and Government schools. Prayer is: - like telling someone you really trust; - Something that people do and religious people do more; - A group of words with a strong meaning; - One of the most important pillars of religion that keeps your faith strong; People pray because: - they are feeling something and they want to get it out, - They need God's love, they need help; - It encourages them, puts up their confidence, they enjoy praying; - It gives them spiritual meaning... emotional meaning and contentment.