8th April 2026

Pakistan have managed to negotiate an agreement between the US and Iran that provides for a two week ceasefire.  Iran's list of demands put to President Trump has been made public following the agreement of a ceasefire are:1. Guarantee that Iran will not be attacked again; 2. Permanent end to the war, not just a ceasefire; 3. End to Israeli strikes in Lebanon; 4. Lifting of all US sanctions on Iran; 5. End to all regional fighting against Iranian allies; 6. In return, Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz; 7. Iran would impose a Hormuz fee of $2 million per ship; 8. Iran would split these fees with Oman; 9. Iran to provide rules for safe passage through Hormuz;  10. Iran to use Hormuz fees for reconstruction instead of reparations.  The price of global benchmark Brent crude fell about 13.6 per cent to $94.50 (£70.58) a barrel after the conditional ceasefire agreement. It is not clear as to whether the Israeli's were consulted on the agreement. Israel has said it supported the ceasefire, but it "does not include Lebanon". However, Iran and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have both have confirmed the deal covers Lebanon. 

Loving God, we give you thanks and praise that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Iran and the USA.  We thank you for the mediation work undertaken by Pakistan. We pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to move among the negotiators that the temporary ceasefire will become a permanent peace. May there continue to be constructive conversations that enable peace to trumph over violence and unrest.  Loving God, we pray for your continuing protection for all who are vulnerable across the Middle East.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Laura Blundell works as a physiotherapist at St James' Hospital in Leeds, UK.  Over the past 8 years she has spent her holidays working as a volunteer for Mercy Ships, on one of their hospital ships in West Africa.  According to Mercy Ships there are only 1.15 surgeons for every 100,000 people in Cameroon, meaning many people live with treatable conditions for years. Laura said, "Some were ostracised because of conditions like rickets, burn patients could not move their arms, legs or even their necks because their injuries had never been treated." "I have got a lot of skills in my tool belt," she said.  "Being able to use those skills to help people who would not have access to therapy, rehab or surgery, it feels like something that needs to be done."  After receiving surgery, patients need help to rebuild strength and learn new ways of moving. Laura particularly works with children. "One of the most powerful changes is seeing each child grow in confidence," she said. 

You can find out more about the work of Mercy Ships here.

It is wonderful to sing your praises,

Lord Most High!

It is wonderful each morning

to tell about your love,

and at night to declare

   your faithfulness.

Everything you do

makes me happy.

  I sing joyful songs

of love and praise and thanksgiving to you.

You walk each day beside me,

lighting the path ahead.

You guide me with your Word.

You carry my burdens.

You catch me when I fall

and lift me up.

I have nothing to fear

for your are my constant companion.

You sustain me in earthly life,

and life eternal.

All praise and glory, honour and power.

be to you

wonderful, almighty everlasting Lord.

Amen.