Anne Sixsmith Tells Us Why Praying For Bath Schools Is So Crucial... Find Out About Hers For Hayesfield and Beechen Cliff
'I guess one of the best things we can do for our children is to pray for them. I think our children's education is our responsibility, so if I'm going to delegate that to a school I feel the least I can do is pray for that school!' says Anne Sixsmith, the current leader of the Beechen Cliff and Hayesfield Schools joint prayer group.
Could you join in praying for pupils at these schools?
Find out more about this dynamic group.
(PICTURES: ANNE SIXSMITH, PRAYER AT LAST YEAR'S LOVE BATH AT BATH ABBEY)
Anne please tell us a little about yourself?
Dave and I have been living in Bath (East Twerton and Oldfield Park) for years, and have had a daughter at Hayesfield, a son at Beechen Cliff and Hayesfield, and our younger son is just finishing at Beechen Cliff this year.
Please tell us about the prayer group you are in for Beechen Cliff and Hayesfield?
It's just a group of parents who meet once every half term to pray for both the schools. We usually chat a bit about what we think we need to pray for, and then pray - on the second Monday afternoon of each half term. 
Who can come and join in with the group?
The meeting is open to anybody who wants to pray for the schools. In practice it is nearly always parents, and recently it has tended to be mothers - but anybody would be most welcome.
What do you hope will be achieved by people coming along and praying, being part of this group?
Well, I guess one of the best things we can do for our children is to pray for them. I think our children's education is our responsibility, so if I'm going to delegate that to a school I feel the least I can do is pray for that school! And I think having your own children gives you a bit of a concern for other young people. I want to pray protection over the schools, and to pray that God will move amongst the young people.
Did you set it up? What inspired you to set it up?
No, I didn't set it up. There were separate prayer groups for the two schools long before I got involved, then the Hayesfield group dwindled a bit and it made sense for the two groups to merge. I've only been leading it for a few years.
Why is it so critical for people to come and be a part of this group? And critical to pray for these schools and their pupils?
Well, like I said, I think we owe it to our own children to pray into their education, but I also think it's a real privilege to share a little bit of God's heart for the young people of the city, and pray for them, both for the Christians trying to live out their faith at school, and for those who haven't met God yet......that they might have the opportunity to meet Him.
Why is it important to pray for teachers in these schools and other schools in Bath?
Teachers are incredibly influential people, and are under huge pressures which can be counter-productive! I think they need all the prayer support they can get - and certainly both the Headteachers of both these schools have been appreciative of our prayers.
Anything you wish to add?
Yes - we are really keen to have new members as some of us (like me!)will be moving on, as our children leave the schools. There is plenty of room for people to contribute and share in the running of the group.....Do consider if this is something God wants you to do!
The last meeting for this year is on Monday 18th June, at 1.45pm at 6 Victoria Terrace, in Oldfield Park, but the venue willbe different next year, and time and day could be too.....If you want more details phone 01225 337965 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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June 2012