The Archbishop of Canterbury told primary school pupils today that prayer “changes us and the world around us”.

Archbishop Justin was visiting St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School in Stockwell, south London, to open and bless a new outdoor prayer space for pupils. 

During the visit he praised the school for creating a place where children can pray with their friends or reflect quietly. 

Before blessing the space, Archbishop Justin spoke with pupils about prayer during their morning assembly.

“When we pray, Jesus changes things. He changes the world around us,” he said, adding that Jesus also “changes us” when we pray.

Christians believe that Jesus is the "friend who forgives us when we do wrong things, who lifts us up when things go well, who comforts us when things go wrong," he said.

"He is our friend who is always with us. He changes the world and He changes us.”