9th. September. 2022. Daily Devotions.
Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:21
I did not expect on return from a holiday in which I stood among the deceased monarchs of the Hapsburg Empire in the Capuchin Monastery in Vienna, to be composing a devotion following the death of our own monarch. Here are some thoughts on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday September 8th 2o22.
The Queen has been a constant presence in all our lives for the past seventy years and the reality of her death is difficult to take in.
In 1947 on her 21st birthday nearly five years before she acceded in 1952, the Queen dedicated her life with a promise to serve her peoples here and around the world with God’s help. She said: “I declare before you all that 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.”
The Queen kept that promise and lived up to her title of Defender of the Faith. The letters F.D., shortened from Fidei Def.(ensatrix.), still appear on our coins. The Queen maintained that faith as head of the Church of England and protector of the Church of Scotland by worshipping regularly wherever she was living. She always referred to her faith in her Christmas Day broadcast, a quiet but certain witness that is rare among public figures nowadays.
There will be much grief and sadness for many in the coming ten days. We hope to open the church on the special days of the mourning period to allow people to reflect, pray or talk together as they wish. We cannot hold a memorial service until after the State Funeral, although prayers will be published by the Church of Scotland and available on our web sites.
In whatever way you wish to acknowledge and mourn the Queen’s life and death, we will help as we are able. Take time to pray for the new King and Queen and the Royal Family as you would for anyone you know who is grieving. There is turmoil in the nation and the world as we go through a difficult time on so many levels and people with public responsibilities all require our prayerful support. This is enjoined by Scripture upon all of God’s people. Also remember anyone you know who is grieving today for their hurt is as deep.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:1-4.
O God, the maker and redeemer of all mankind, grant us, with thy servant Queen Elizabeth and all the faithful departed, the sure benefits of thy Son’s saving passion and glorious resurrection; that in the last day, when all things are gathered up in Christ, we may with them enjoy the fullness of thy promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, from whom comes everything that is upright and true: accept our thanks for the gifts of heart and mind that thou didst bestow on thy servant Elizabeth, and which she showed forth among us in her words and deeds; and grant that we may have grace to live our lives in accordance with thy will, to seek the good of others, and to remain faithful servants unto our lives’ end; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Father in heaven, we thank you that you have made us in your own image
and have given us gifts in mind, body, and spirit. We thank you now for Elizabeth our Queen and what she meant to each of us.
As we honour her memory, make us more aware that you are the one
from whom comes every perfect gift, including the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Father in heaven, we praise your name for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you, for the example of their lives, the grace you gave them, and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Elizabeth our Queen and for all that you did through her. Meet us in our sadness and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving, for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Adapted from Prayers for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
