Keep praying for Paisley – minister
Ian Paisley
MEMBERS of Ian Paisley’s church in Belfast were yesterday told that the veteran cleric has improved and is out of intensive care — but that he still needs their prayers.
The former first minister of Northern Ireland was taken into intensive care two weeks ago yesterday, but was released into a coronary care ward on Tuesday last week as his condition had improved.
In December the 85-year-old News Letter columnist had retired from his full-time position as minister of the Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast, and had begun work on his memoirs.
Yesterday at the Belfast church, the Rev Alan Smylie opened the service by praying for Dr Paisley.
Opening prayers, the Rev Smylie remembered “our brother Dr Paisley and pray that you will be near him. Be gracious to him even today and sustain and strengthen him with thy touch”.
The minister prayed that God would “meet his need” and that Dr Paisley would “be restored”.
He also prayed for the Paisley family, asking God to “come by his family today and give them grace and strength”.
Later during church announcements the congregation were told that Dr Paisley “has improved and is out of intensive care” but that he remains ill and still needs their prayers.
Just seven days before, the Rev Smylie told the congregation that Dr Paisley’s condition was “very serious” and said that the Paisley family had greatly appreciated prayers and support from throughout Northern Ireland.
Last Sunday prayers were said in a special service after morning worship at the church.
A Free Presbyterian Church prayer meeting last Wednesday night was given a positive report on Dr Paisley’s heart condition and told that he was now “off all machines”.
It had previously been reported that the former church moderator was on a ventilator.
It is understood that Dr Paisley was able to speak to family members last Tuesday.
“Dr Paisley has improved and is having a number of conversations with family. The family continue to ask for prayers for him and are thankful for people’s prayers,” a friend said last week.
“He does, however, still have a long way to go.”
The Paisley family, who have been at Dr Paisley’s bedside, have requested privacy during the illness and have asked that the Ulster Hospital does not release updates on the DUP founder’s condition.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
