BITS and PIECES
293rd Edition – May 3, 2026
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
REV. ROY STEWART
We were saddened this week to learn of the death of Rev. Roy Stewart, long-time pastor of our Cookstown, Northern Ireland, church. Roy was 83 when the Lord called him home. We send our sincere sympathy to his wife, Margaret, and the sorrowing family.
THE MINISTERS’ WEEK OF PRAYER
The Toronto Church will be hosting the annual Ministers’ Week of Prayer starting on Monday, May 11. This is probably a good time to review its history, especially for those who have joined us recently.
The Free Presbyterian Church has been known as one that places great emphasis on prayer. I remember, as a teenager, attending all nights of prayer. Those were blessed times of intercession.
As the congregations multiplied, it was decided to start an annual week of prayer in Ulster for the ministers. This continues to this day. In 1976, the Toronto church was formed, followed by Newtown Square, PA, Greenville, SC and then others.
One of the Free Church’s strong points has always been the close-knit fellowship among one another. This was not difficult in Ulster, where the churches are fairly close together. But North America is different, with vast distances between the congregations.
In the spring of 1985, a similar week of prayer was inaugurated for us. It is held twice a year in May and October. The minister’s wives and children were invited to attend with special programs for them. Over the years, with children growing up, there are not so many of them now.
The men’s sessions start at 9.00am, with a minister bringing a devotional, followed by prayer until about 12.00pm. Then there is an hour for lunch and three hours for church business. The evenings are for fellowship, although ministers and elders who are involved in various committees may have some work to do.
Every week of prayer, two ministers from each presbytery visit the other. This year, the Ulster moderator, Dr. Ian Brown, and the Rev David McMillan, will be the special guests. The week of prayer is a busy time, but a blessed spiritual refreshment.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER
‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,” [Ephesians 6:18]. When we stop to weigh the meaning of these words, then note the connection in which they are found, the child of God is driven to pray. Note the need for prayer.
1. It is God’s way for us to obtain results. We often complain about our lack of answers, but God says, “ye have not because ye ask not” [James 4:2].
2. There is a devil. He is mighty, he never rests, he is ever plotting the downfall of the child of God, but he is defeated by prayer.
3. The apostles regarded prayer as their most important business. All the mighty men and women of God have been prayer warriors.
4. Prayer occupied a prominent place in the earthly life of Jesus. We should follow His example. If He needed to pray, how much more do we?
5. Praying is the most important present ministry of our risen Lord. If we are then to have fellowship with Jesus Christ, in His present work, we must pray much.
6. Prayer is God’s appointed way for our receiving mercy and grace in times of need. [Hebrews 4; 16]. This is one of the sweetest verses upon which to build our prayers,
7. Prayer in the name of Jesus is the way He brings joy to His disciples [John 16:24]. It makes God real when we see Him answer our privately spoken prayer.
8. Prayer is God’s means of obtaining freedom from all the worries of life. What a wonderful promise is this, “Be careful about nothing: but in everything by prayer and SUPPlication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God” Phil 4:6,7]. He gives peace.
9. Prayer is God’s way of giving Jesus is very clear, ~[Luke 11:13]
10. Because of what Prayer accomplishes. It pormotes our spiritual growth; it brings power to our work; It avails for conversion of others; and brings blessings to the church [Taken from How to Pray by R.A. Tory]
