“Well done, Good and Faithful Servant!..... enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25 : 23

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926 – 2022)

This week we think about Her Majesty the Queen. We are deeply saddened by her death  at Balmoral on 8th September 2022.. We are grateful for her loyal service to our country and the Commonwealth for just over 70 years. Her faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was a wonderful witness and the bedrock of her life.

Thought for this week

Some of the Queen’s statements declaring her own personal faith in Jesus

A radio broadcast on her 21st birthday in 1947 : “My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong…. I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.”

In 2015 a Christmas television broadcast

“For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life, a role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness: he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.”

In her 2020 Christmas message, Queen Elizabeth said, “The teachings of Christ have served as my inner light, as has the sense of purpose we can find in coming together to worship.”

We give thanks along with the whole world for her life of service, and with the whole church for her faith and witness to Jesus.

Prayers for this week

Gracious God, we give thanks for the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth, for her faith and her dedication to duty.

Bless our nation as we mourn her death and may her example continue to inspire us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Amen.

God of love, We thank you for the life of The Queen, for her service to our nation, and for her faith in you.

Be close to all of us who mourn, that we may we find comfort and hope in your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Everlasting God, we pray for our new King. Bless his reign and the life of our nation.

Help us to work together so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness flourish among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

St Peter’s church is open each day if you wish to come for a time of private prayer, reflection and remembrance. St Edmund’s Taverham is also open.

please note the image of the Queen is used with permission from the Press Association