Francis Pym was unable to attend as he is now rather weak, but mentally and spiritually he is as alert as ever! Please pray for him – he has absolute peace, and trusts the Lord totally, but feels some frustration at not being able to be as involved as he would like.

Jeffrey Donaldson was with for a time; he noted the end of Parliamentary Session was imminent : the Queen’s Speech was coming “next Wednesday” (18th). The Prime Minister has recently been under great pressure; pray that he will find strength deep within himself, and for all MPs as they prepare for a General Election, and that Parliament will put this nation back on paths of righteousness.

The situation in Northern Ireland is fragile: things are difficult in Stormont: it is a defining moment in the peace process: there needs to be a breakthrough! Dissident groups are reported to be building up strength, with the possibility of more attacks.

Middle East situation; there is continuing pressure to move on some aspects: there are moves to involve Hamas – could be dangerous? Israel’s relations with Iran are not good! The situation is still dodgy! Jeffrey Donaldson is still seeking to develop contacts in Israel to offer help in the peace process, in the light of the Northern Ireland experience. Please continue to pray for him regarding serving in either or both the Northern Ireland Assembly and the House of Commons: the position not now so clear.

He asked for prayer for an MPs’ prayer group of which he is a member, for their protection from the media and terrorists, and for direction for the future.

News shared: there is some concern over a hidden agenda in the Copenhagen Treaty – heading towards World Government and redistribution of wealth? This echoes concerns noted at a recent meeting of Jeffrey Donaldson with Patrick Sookhdeo: there are signs of a move towards an imposed single religious system.

There is continuing concern about the Equality Bill – the Bill may fall if a General Election comes early: it could radically change the law regarding employment, affecting Christian Churches and organisations.

The prayers: 1 Tim. 2: 1-5 was proclaimed. We prayed through Jude vs 3 about contending for the faith. For debate in the House of Lords coming later same day concerning freedom of speech [post-minute: the safeguard was retained]. We prayed for local authorities and police to act within the existing laws, and to make no assumptions! For our brothers and sisters in politics – MPs, Peers, and those working alongside: for their choices as to whom they listen to: for clarity and knowledge of their God-given purpose (“Why am I here?”). For the dilemma faced by Bible-believing Christians in politics: what the Bible says is to happen is already beginning, so how are they to respond? There could be a danger of resisting God’s will, or of holding up His purposes? Is their role to warn of the consequences of decisions being considered and taken? Are they to alert the Church? Are they there to offer God’s wisdom to other politicians when darkness brings confusion and uncertainty? We prayed for a move of the Holy Spirit, including among nominal and cooling Christians in politics.

A Word from the Lord? As the meeting closed, Pat Brandon heard “Keep your eye on the ball!” He understood further that the Lord was urging us to observe how our opponent had ‘set out the fielders’ (this from someone who has little real idea of how cricket works!): we are t o read his strategy from what he has set in place. He plans ahead!

A further thought: from “E.M. Bounds on Prayer” (published 1861): “Praying women will do more for the church and God than all the politicians on the earth.” Thank God the men are joining the women in prayer now! At the very least, men could pray for these women!