The thoughts of many in our nation will be with our Queen and her family this weekend following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. We pray for the repose of his soul and for the comforting of those who mourn. In tributes paid by church leaders, his deep faith was mentioned repeatedly, as something he shared with our Queen. We pray that at this Eastertide, the gospel of resurrection will be her solace.
Our Gospel this week reminds us that Jesus offers us peace even when we feel shut away, afraid, or that we have missed something important. I pray that we may know this peace across our communities during this time of the next step on the “roadmap” to things opening: peace in the hearts of those opening anew, in the hearts of those choosing to travel and holiday in self-catering facilities and peace in the hearts of all who find all this makes them anxious.
God bless,
Samantha
I know that many who have lived here longer than me will have memories of the Duke's visit to Lynmouth to mark the 50th anniversary of the Flood, following up from his first vist here to express concern in its aftermath.
If you would like to offer your condolences on the death of HRH Duke of Edinburgh, the Church of England has opened a “virtual” Book of Condolences which you can find here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/
Bishop Robert has also recorded a message which you can find on the diocesan website. There will be civic commemorative services at Exeter Cathedral, St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth and Paignton Parish Church led by the Bishop of Exeter, Bishop of Plymouth and Bishop of Crediton respectively. The date of these services has not yet been confirmed but the latest updates on these arrangements will be published here:
https://exeter.anglican.org/resources/commemorating-the-death-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh/
God of our lives,
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
for his love of our country,
and for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy,
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
Merciful God, be close to all who mourn,
especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.
May they know the comfort of your love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.