An East London MP who was stabbed by one of his constituents last month has thanked Christians for their prayers and supports.

Stephen Timms, a former Cabinet minister under Labour, said the prayers of Christians had helped in his recovery from the unprovoked attack during one of his constituency surgeries on 14 May.

"Since the attack, I've had literally hundreds of messages from people telling me they're praying for me for a speedy recovery. I think that's been hugely, hugely to my benefit and I'm very grateful for it,” he told Premier Christian Radio.

"Thanks to them for their effort and commitment in prayer. I am well on the road to recovery. I think those prayers are being honoured and I'm very optimistic that in a month or two's time I'll be fine."

Mr Timms spoke of the importance of churches praying for their local MPs.

He continued: “MPs play a big part in the life of their communities. For an MP to know that they have the support of a local church in prayer is quite a big deal.

“From the point of view of the MP, including MPs who don't pray or don't themselves believe, knowing that a local church is supporting them in prayer is a really powerful thing.

“I hope churches will do it and let their local member of parliament know that they are doing it as well."

Mr Timms had to undergo emergency surgery after being stabbed twice in the stomach. A 21-year-old Muslim woman, Roshonara Choudhary, has been charged with attempted murder.

He has already returned to work and attended a day of prayer for the nation held at West Ham football stadium on Sunday, where he also thanked the crowds for their prayers and joined in praying for all MPs and the new coalition government.