put the crown on him, and gave him the
covenant; they proclaimed him king, and
anointed him; they clapped their hands
and shouted, ‘Long live the king!’
2 Kings 11.12
The adoption of a crown by Christian rulers can be dated from the time of the Emperor Constantine in the fourth century. It was common at the time for a helmet – a symbol of military power and domination – to be placed on the head of the chosen ruler at their installation. The crown was a symbol of royalty rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. It proclaimed the sovereignty of God and the monarch as regent on earth, administering the law of God.
As King Charles prepares for his coronation, we pray that he and all our leaders may have grace to animate and not dominate, that all may flourish.
PrayerCrown us, O God, but with humility,and robe us with compassion,
that, as you call us into the kingdom of your Son,
we may strive to overcome evil
by the power of good
and so walk gently on the earth
with you, our God, for ever.Amen.
