Tories asked to pray

A thousand members of the Conservative Christian Fellowship have been asked to pray for all politicians in the run-up to the election. The fellowship's new prayer diary opens with the reminder that 'God loves a cheerful giver`. One prayer calls on God to help Tory Central Office function with a sense of purpose. Another asked for 'good relationships' while a third is a plea for MPs meetings to result in 'clear vision and direction'. Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe is one of several contributors to the prayers. She asks for the party faithful to continue doing 'what is right'. There is a special prayer for the continued strength of Tony Blair and his family and one for Scottish Assembly First Minister Henry McLeish. Fellowship director Tim Montgomery said: "It is not a partisan thing. The prayers are for all those in public life including the prime minister and the Queen."