I’ve only been to one National Prayer Breakfast in Ottawa, next month will be my second.  The first one was just prior to the Billy Graham Mission in Ottawa and I invited my MP to join me.  He declined, though a known Christian, as he was hoping to run for the leadership of his party and therefore the Office of Prime Minister.  He felt that it wouldn’t be politically expedient to be seen in an overtly Christian event.   I was disappointed in him and wondered if political wisdom has anything to do with personal conviction – at least in his life.

The Prime Minister of the day did attend, along with the leaders of the Opposition Parties and the Speaker of the House, The Speaker of the Senate and the Chief Magistrate of the Supreme Court.  I was at the table with 3 High Commissioners including the High Commissioner for Rwanda.  It was fascinating conversation.  Paul Henderson was the speaker and he shared both his story and gave a great and simple explanation of God’s love, offer of forgiveness and restoration.  I was overwhelmed by his personal story.  Forgiveness was certainly something he experienced.

Next month The Salvation Army’s Executive Leaders will be attending this year’s breakfast on The Hill.  The election will only be a week behind us – so we’ll see who is in attendance!

The White House has posted this You Tube video of President Obama’s address at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast in the USA.  As Ed Stetzer points out – it didn’t get much media coverage but I’m sure you’ll appreciate the tone and content of what The President has to say.  Enjoy.

Oh – and my MP did run to lead the party – he lost and has left public life.  I have wondered down through the years, if he didn’t have the courage to stand by his personal convictions on something as benign as this, where else would he be willing to compromise for the sake of appearance or personal gain?