The involvement of Barnabas in Prayer for Parliament continues to develop, as Patrick Brandon has taken over as Facilitator of the monthly meetings, Francis Pym having now decided that it is time for him to step aside. Francis is over 80, but still intends to come to the meetings when he is able. He continues to mentor Patrick in this new role, drawing on his many years of experience and involvement in praying with and for our leaders. Patrick would value your prayers as he grows into this role. He intends to supply reports for this website to encourage informed prayer, but there will be no meeting in April because of the Parliamentary recess. Please continue to pray anyway!

Northern Ireland
After the recent shooting of two soldiers outside Massareen Barracks, and the subsequent murder of a Police officer in Craigavon, Jeffrey Donaldson quite properly felt his place was with his constituents. There were a number of peace rallies in Northern Ireland on the day of the monthly prayer meeting in the Palace of Westminster, so he was not able to join us on this occasion. The recent events were doubtless heavy on his heart, a cousin of his, along with another officer, having been the first policemen to be murdered by the I.R.A. during ‘The Troubles’ in 1970. He knows the pain that can result from such sectarianism.

Peace and reconciliation
A number of Northern Ireland’s politicians often respond to requests for advice concerning peace and reconciliation, such requests coming from nations where there has been strife and violence and a peace settlement is underway. The Northern Ireland experience is seen as an encouragement as to what is possible – but recent events could undermine the credibility of such advice. Please pray for the continuing good work these people might do.

Week of Prayer for Parliament
Phil Anderson, of 24-7 Prayer (www.24-7prayer.com), a prayer movement strong among young people, and working in 80 countries, told us of the involvement of 24-7 Prayer in praying for Parliament, alongside the Bible Society and others. There is to be a Week of Prayer for Parliament, from June 7^th to 13^th.

Christian Concern for Our Nation (www.ccfon.org) is pursuing many matters of concern to Christians in UK, and involved in legal fights on behalf of freedom of speech cases, and others: more funds are needed if this valuable work is to continue.

March of Repentance
Plans are progressing for a national March of Repentance, July 18^th (www.repentuk.com).

India
We heard from an Indian brother, Alok Frivastava, on visit from northern India, who told of great things the Lord is doing there, and elsewhere in India: many are coming to Christ. There is much persecution, but new believers are encouraged to win 20 further souls for Christ. Alok is involved in praying for their Government there, just as we are for ours here.

Scriptures shared: Hosea 6:1-3 was read at the start of a time of prayer: it begins with a call to repentance, urging the nation to return to God: a good basis for a prayer for revival!

A strange coalition
There is concern over a recently growing coalition between some evangelicals and Islam, especially in relation to the place of Israel in God’s purposes. Not only could this lead to a sharp division in the Body of Christ, but it could be dangerous for the voice of the Church.