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Boris Johnson thanks Christians who prayed for him while ill: 'It certainly seems to have worked!'

by Cara Bentley

The Prime Minister has thanked Christians who prayed for him while he was hospitalised with coronavirus earlier this year. 

Boris Johnson was speaking at the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, which was broadcast live from the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. 

The event included Christian politicians from all countries of the UK, from the Commons and the Lords. 

It included a pre-recorded message from Mr Johnson, in which he said: "Right now, with services suspended, congregations scattered, even the simple act of coming together to pray can be another hurdle to overcome.

"And while work goes on to reopen places of worship safely, it's been absolutely inspiring to see churches respond to the lockdown, as they have, with true Christian values. They have reminded us all of their role as pillars of their communities, reaching out to bring hope, peace and practical care to those in need. 

"Thank you so much for that and thank you also to everyone who prayed for me during my recent illness, it really was appreciated. It certainly seems to have worked! This has been a difficult time for many. But as ever, our churches are helping to show us the way, so keep up the good work."

Leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer also sent a recorded message, saying he wanted to personally thank churches for how they have cared for their neighbours during the Coronavirus crisis, thanking the HTB plant King's Cross Church in his own constituenucy for providing food to people in need and supporting health workers. 

"This is just the efforts of one church. I know this has been replicated by churches and faith groups across the whole country."

The prayer breakfast also included prayers from several MPs and Peers, as well as many of them recording lines from the Lord's Prayer, including the former Prime Minister Theresa May and the SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford.

After a Bible reading from Philippians 2, Rt Rev Graham, Bishop of Kensington, gave a talk about how many people have curbed their own freedoms in this pandemic in order to protect others and that it might be an attitude worth continuing, instead of grabbing our freedoms back as soon as possible.

Bishop Graham said: "Maybe our learning to put the common good before our individual choices - to restrain our own desires for the good of our neighbour - is something we can hold on to."

The event ended with a version of Amazing Grace, performed outside the devolved parliaments by singers and musicians. 

You can watch the Prime Minister's message at 2 mins 50 seconds and Sir Keir Starmer's immediately after that. 


 

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