Prayer Newsletter: Spring 2025

Dear Friends,  

Thank you so much for your prayerful interest in the work of CVE Scotland and our desire to ensure that Christian values and beliefs are part of Scottish education, so that our children and young people can make informed decisions about their own faith.  
 
At a recent CVE Scotland Management Committee meeting we were reminded in 1 Samuel 7: 5-12 that ‘thus far has the Lord helped us’ and whilst we have a fierce enemy, He will continue to help us as we seek His face in humility. 

February’s newsletter theme is working and supporting children and young people with Additional Support Needs. You can also read more about future CVE Scotland events and links to Easter/Lent resources. 

We would be very grateful if you could pray for these 31 points in your own quiet time or join with others to pray for our children, young people, school workers, chaplains and teachers. Perhaps encourage others in your own congregations to subscribe to our newsletter?  

Grace and peace, 
 
from CVE Scotland Trustees and staff members; Megan, Iain, Steve, Kirsteen, Steve, Sandra, Elaine, Marjorie and Lynn 

If you would like to download this prayer letter to read or print as a PDF please click here
Spring Prayer Newsletter 2025

Please pray for school staff, school visitors and pupils: –

1. Thank God for the many opportunities afforded to share the truth and power of the death and resurrection of Jesus during Lent and Easter across nurseries, primary and secondary schools in Scotland.

2. Ask God to give teachers energy, wisdom and patience as they guide pupils through this busy school term.

3. Pray for chaplains and volunteers who will be visiting local schools for Easter assemblies and Time for Reflection lesson. Pray that their message will be received well. Pray for courage and creativity in sharing the Christian faith with both pupils and staff.

4. Pray that God’s love and peace fill every classroom, playground, and staff room across Scotland’s schools.

5. Ask God to open pupils’ hearts to explore Christian values and make wise choices about their beliefs.

6. Pray that God guides headteachers and senior management team members to make decisions that honour Him and benefit pupils.

7. Give thanks for Christian teachers and pray that they may be bold to take up opportunities to share their faith with colleagues or invite friends/family to Easter events.

8. Pray for the SU and other Christian lunchtime/afterschool groups across schools in Scotland. Pray that they have the freedom to share the Gospel with those who attend. May they be places of love and safety and also a place where questions about faith can be asked and answered.

9. Pray for senior pupils who are working towards SQA assessment and assignment deadlines. Pray that they work to the best of their ability and dedicate the time necessary to do so. For those who are experiencing illness or family issues, may they know of God’s love for them and be able to meet the demands placed on them at this time.

10. Pray for pupils’ mental and spiritual health, that they feel valued and supported. Pray that Christian teachers demonstrate their faith in action as they seek to give educational support.

11. Give thanks for the joy of learning and pray that pupils may see God’s beauty in every subject and lesson.

12. Ask God to uplift school staff who feel discouraged, reminding them of their purpose. For those who are dealing with behavioural issues daily, grant them wisdom to understand each pupil’s needs, patience to respond with grace and strength to uphold a peaceful environment.

13. Pray that God calls more Christians into teaching and educational roles to shine His light in Scottish schools.

14. Ask God to strengthen partnerships between churches and local schools and to raise up more volunteers willing to support schools in a variety of capacities.

Please pray for the Spring newsletter themes: –

15. Give thanks for the work of, and pray for the effective use of, the Lent and Easter resources that Christian organisations such as SU Scotland, Scottish Bible Society and the Salvation Army have created this year.

16. Pray for those who work daily with pupils with Additional Support Needs that they can make a good connection, understand and meet their individual needs. Encourage staff as they demonstrate Christ’s love to those who may feel excluded or marginalised in the school environment.

17. Give thanks for Elaine Tait, SU Scotland’s ASN Development Coordinator, and pray that through her work those on the margins of society – the 37% of children in Scotland with a noted ASN, who suffer poverty, refugees and asylum seekers, care-experienced children and ethnic minorities – are reached for Christ.

18. Give thanks for February’s Scottish Christian Heritage webinar on the life of past saints. Pray that God may raise up a new generation who use the gifts they are given for the benefit of Scotland and for the glory of His name.

19. Pray for the work of Paul James-Griffiths and the Christian Heritage Centre, Edinburgh and give thanks for his willingness to host the recent webinar. Pray that this may inspire teachers to share our Christian history, values and beliefs within RME and Social Studies lessons. Ask God to help pupils understand Scotland’s Christian roots and how it shapes their world today.

20. Pray for all those involved in the current Education Scotland Curriculum Implementation Cycle. Pray that the review will have a positive impact on the educational experience of children and young people across the 8 curriculum areas. Please pray that the place of Christian values and beliefs in the Experiences & Outcomes and Benchmarks is not diluted. Ask God to guide educational policymakers to support values that reflect His truth and love.

21. Please pray for guidance for the newly appointed National Advisor and the Religious and Moral Education group as they commence their review of the curriculum. Raise up leaders who seek your wisdom and protect the place of Christianity in Scottish schools.

Please pray for the work of CVE Scotland: –

22. Please pray for CVE Scotland’s participation in the Stewardship’s 2025 40acts initiative, especially on our reflection day – 25 March 2025. Pray that the three challenges set and its potential engagement with local schools will show Christ’s love in a practical way.

23. Pray for the plans for IGNITE; a National Schools’ Work Gathering on Saturday 22 November 2025. Pray for Rev Steve Younger as he takes on the task of co-ordinating this event. Give thanks for the availability of a suitable venue at Hamilton College.

24. Ask God to generate a desire for those who work in schools, and seek to serve Him, to prayerfully consider attending IGNITE. Pray that the guest seminar speakers prepare a word in season and that new network opportunities are created to further His kingdom.

25. Thank God for the financial provision made available to CVE Scotland so far and pray for new donors to continue the work and for the IGNITE gathering.

26. Pray that engagement with CVE Scotland social media channels will increase and that we will gather ideas on new ways to equip, resource and support networking within Scottish education.

27. Give thanks for God’s goodness to CVE Scotland over the last 10 years and the various ways it has had a positive impact in Scottish Education. Please pray that as the Management Committee take time in April to revisit the vision and strategy for the next decade and beyond, that the Lord guides and direct us according to His will.

28. Thank God for CVE Scotland’s volunteers and ask for blessings on their time, efforts, and passion in areas such as IT, social media management and school engagement.

29. Ask God to inspire CVE Scotland’s team with fresh, engaging ways to support those who work in Scottish education and seek to shine His love in their classrooms, staffrooms and wider communities.

30. Pray for the final completion of the RSHP project and its continued use within schools and in households. Pray for those families who have recently contacted CVE Scotland with concerns about potentially inappropriate resources used in schools. Pray for wisdom as to how this may be challenged respectfully.

31. Give thanks to God for past CVE Scotland fundraising opportunities. Pray for plans for a 10th anniversary Ceilidh in May. Pray that it be a joyful time and a Christ-honouring celebration that also financially supports future CVE activities.