Baroness Margaret Thatcher, who died on Monday aged 87, was a leader of conviction and much of that conviction rooted in her Christian faith. Daughter of a Methodist lay preacher, her political views were shaped by her religious beliefs. How these two fused together in her mind was outlined in a memorable 1988 speech to the Church of Scotland, a speech with which she explained the Christian basis for her political convictions. She began the speech by telling her audience that she was speaking ‘personally as a Christian, as well as a politician.’ Her speech not only reaffirmed the Christian inspiration for her political views, it also illuminated her conviction that Britain's Christian heritage was worthy of preserving. One of her most memorable quotes for many Christians comes from the words she spoke from the steps of 10 Downing Street after coming to power in 1979. Based on the Prayer of Saint Franc is, she said: ‘Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.’ Click the ‘More’ link and read tributes from many Christian leaders.

Pray: that Margaret Thatcher’s spiritual example and legacy will be adhered to by her successors. (1Pet.2:21)

More: http://www.christianto day.com/article/margaret.thatcher.the. politician.and.christian/32082.htm

Whether traditional in form or an innovative fresh expression, the common task of the church is to help people to see God, themselves and the world as never before. So said the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at a Fresh Expressions conference held in Oxford on Friday to explore the question of how the ‘mixed economy’ of church might work in practice. Mixed economy is a term first coined by Dr Williams referring to the coexistence of fresh expressions and ‘inherited’ forms of church. Addressing Fresh Expressions practitioners from across the UK, the Archbishop explained his vision of the mixed economy as one in which churches in their various forms work alongside one another in helping people encounter Jesus, and discipling them at whatever stage in their faith journeys they may be at. The Archbishop suggested that the starting point for every church and every fresh expression was the encounter between Jesus and others.

Pray: for the church as it considers how best to spread the Gospel message to widely diverse audiences. (Mk.16:15)

More:http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/many.churches.one.purpose.archbishop.contemplates.fresh.expressions/27954.htm

A new poll by ComRes has found that a massive 83% of church-going Christians in the UK are opposed to plans by the Conservative Party to legalise homosexual marriage, and 57% of all respondents are ‘less likely to vote’ for the party because of this move.

The poll results are likely to be viewed as very concerning by the Conservative Party, as church-going Christians represent several million votes. The poll found that: 83% were opposed to homosexual marriage; 93% were concerned that clergy would have to conduct homosexual marriages against their consciences; 85% that the value of marriage would be further undermined; 88% that schools would be required to teach the equal validity of same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Andrea Minichiello Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said: ‘God has ordained that marriage is between one man and one woman. These truths are timeless and are for the benefit of mankind. We ignore them at our peril.’

Pray: for the sanctity of marriage as based on Biblical truths to be preserved. (Heb.13:4)

 More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/sexual-orientation/57-of-uk-christians-likely-to-abandon-the-conservatives-over-same-se

Further to our report in last week’s Prayer Alert that Manchester Cathedral was to host a new age festival, it has come to light that the reports were not accurate and had been sensationalised by much of the media including our source. The Spirit of Life is a Christian festival offering a balanced programme of different spiritual traditions including Taize, choral evensong and contemporary spiritualities. There will be workshops that will provide Christian perspectives and offerings on how ancient spirituality meets contemporary culture at this unique event. The event offers a clear Christian alternative to the usual Mind, Body Spirit events with performances, meditations, stalls and workshops throughout the day. There will be no tarot card reading or fortune telling at the event. All contributors are Christians, many of them by ordained clergy, nuns, Catholics or evangelicals and all have undergone a rigorous application process by the organisers.

Pray: that the truth will out and all who attend will find that truth by the revelation of God’s Holy Spirit. (Gal.1:11)

More: http://www.manchestercathedral.org/events/73/the-spirit-of-life

Most people support the idea of holding a referendum to decide whether marriage should be redefined, a new poll has shown. In a recent survey commissioned by the Coalition for Marriage, 54 per cent agreed that redefining marriage should be put to a public vote. Of those surveyed, only 26 per cent disagreed with the idea of a referendum of the people. The Coalition for Marriage, which campaigns against the Government redefining marriage, says the results aren’t surprising. Campaign director Colin Hart said: ‘This poll follows a series of bad news stories for the PM’s profoundly undemocratic plans.’ He added, ‘ordinary men and women have never been able to cast a vote on the issue as neither the Conservatives, Lib Dems, or Labour included this proposal in their manifestos and they are fed up with being told it is going to happen regardless of what the majority of people in this country believe.’

Pray: for the political leaders that they will listen to the majority of the people and allow for a referendum on redefining marriage.

More: http://www.christian.org.uk/news/majority-want-gay-marriage-referendum-poll-shows/

Government welfare and tax changes, together with lower than forecast wage growth, will leave the majority of children in the UK living in families below the breadline by 2015, according to new Trades Union Congress research. Tax and welfare reforms alone - both existing and future changes - will be responsible for nearly half a million more children living below the breadline, says the TUC. In 'A Bleak Future For Families', the research finds that the cumulative impact of government policies and slower than forecast wage growth over the course of this parliament will mean that 690,000 more children will be living below the minimum income standard - the level of income needed to achieve a minimum acceptable standard of living in the UK - by 2015. TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Families are suffering the tightest squeeze in their living standards in nearly a century.” See also last week's Prayer Alert 'Archbishop of Canterbury attacks Government welfare reforms'.

Pray: for Government to ensure that children are not adversely affected by economic policies. (Pr.19:17)

More: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18176

A major study has confirmed that the absence of a father figure can be damaging to a child’s life, and that the love of a father is equally important to the emotional well-being of children as that of a mother. The study, which reviewed 36 studies from around the world, found that the absence of fatherly love in a child’s life can have serious psychological consequences which persist into adulthood, since rejection in childhood has the most ‘strong and consistent effect on personality and development’. The study suggests that rejection from a father can cause long-term problems for children that last for decades, including anxiety, insecurity and low self-esteem. The study found that such children tend to shut themselves off emotionally, and consequently find it harder to build relationships later in life. Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, said: ‘The study confirms what has been known for decades - that two natural parents in a life-long marriage provide the ideal conditions for raising children.

Pray: for wider recognition of the importance of stable families with a mother and a father especially by government. Also pray for those who are in single parent families particularly those who are unsupported in any way. (Eph.6:1-4)

More: http://www.christianconcern.com/our-concerns/social/major-study-shows-children-need-love-from-fathers-as-much-as-mothers

The Magistrates Association will put forward a motion to scrap the Bible from the court oath in October. The motion has been met with wide criticism especially as the last census revealed that an overwhelming 60% of people in British were of Christian faith and that such a move would undermine Britain’s Christian heritage in favour of secularism. Many critics have argued that parts of British law itself were founded on the Bible, a standard which has infiltrated and determined our morality, lifestyle and tradition for many centuries. If this is taken away, one only has to question what secular standard will take its place. The Magistrates Association which represents 23,000 lay agistrates will this month discuss concerns that many people do not take the oath seriously. Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, former Bishop of Rochester said: ‘This could be the slippery slope towards the increasing secularisation of society. Where will it end - with the Coronation Oath?’

Pray: for the Association as it considers this decision that they will not reject the basics of law based upon the Bible. (Is.54:17b)

More: http://www.theway.co.uk/feature.php?id=9348&this=Magistrates_Association_to_discuss_scrapping_

Police expected to mount their biggest operation in the town's history, as thousands of English Defence League activists from across England will descend on Luton. Anti-racism campaigners are holding a counter demonstration in Luton also on Saturday. Unite Against Fascism, which is organising the event, says it expects supporters to travel from across the country. Luton councillor Mahmood Hussain said, ‘This event is creating more fear than anything else, especially among the elderly who have seen the pictures of what has happened at these events in the past. Everyone is very much concerned about what could happen because you only have to look at the record of this group to see what we face'. Community leaders and politicians have been working with different community groups in Luton since the EDL announced it was going to stage the protest.

Pray: for the people of Luton this weekend and against confrontational, violent protests. (Je.29:7)

More: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jan/31/edl-protest-luton-fears-disorder