Do you pray for our Parliament? Now is the time.

St Paul wrote about its primacy, Christian political greats like William Wilberforce banged on about it and Parliament can’t begin without it. What am I talking about? Prayer of course!

We look on politics and our leaders with a variety of feelings: ranging from a healthy Romans 13 respect to a cynical ‘Have I Got News’ sigh. But do we really pray for them?

I mean really pray?! Like St Paul said in 1 Timothy 2, 'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.'

Or like Wilberforce wrote in his diaries, 'Surely the experience of all good men confirms the proposition that without a due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean. But all may be done through prayer - almighty prayer, I am ready to say - and why not? For that it is almighty is only through the gracious ordination of the God of love and truth. O then, pray, pray, pray!'

Our political leaders and our nation so needs prayer. As I reflected on this summer’s riots, I recalled the previous riots in 2011. Parliament was recalled and, as my borough was one which bore the brunt of the violence and damage, I felt compelled to speak up in Parliament. I could have raised issues about the way social media fanned the flames of misinformation and discord, or the need to strengthen families and tackle social breakdown. However, I felt called to ask the Prime Minister to lead the nation on a day of prayer. The reaction from my colleagues was a mixture of mirth, mockery and bemusement. Prime Minister David Cameron was also caught off guard and flanneled an answer about the importance of faith communities. However, Parliament should not have been surprised as in other important times in our nation’s history the King and Prime Minister have led days of prayer.

As I mused on the reaction of colleagues whilst in the division lobby, the late Rev Ian Paisley MP took me to one side and with his pastor’s hat on encouraged me by saying that he was also similarly mocked when he similarly called for national prayer at a time of national crisis.

During my time as an MP, I experienced the vital strength and protection which prayer gives, not least from a faithful band of prayer warriors who pray each week in Parliament. I recall particularly in the Same Sex Marriage Bill Committee the front row of the public area being full of Christians simply and powerfully praying - oh, how it helped me during a time of great opposition.

Now, as we have a new Parliament with so many new MPs, we have a great opportunity to pray for all of them.

The National Week of Prayer (NWOP) is happening from 12th to 20th October across the UK. NWOP is a partnership of Christian ministries brought together by the Holy Spirit with a united vision, to humble ourselves, repent and pray for lives to be transformed by Jesus, and to see a spiritual awakening in the nations. Please look at the website https://www.nationalweekofprayer.uk to find out how you can be involved in your local area.

It would be great if, during this time and afterwards, every constituency across the UK has Christians committed to regularly pray for their MP. Whoever you are, wherever you are and wherever your influence, NWOP is an opportunity to pray for our leaders, our nation and the nations.