Along with others around the world we want to express both our deep gratitude for the life and reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and our condolences to her family and friends.
Throughout her 70 years of faithful service to both our nation and the global community, we have witnessed a remarkable woman, who dedicated her whole life to the sacrificial service of her people.
It was clear that Queen Elizabeth was sustained by her deep faith in Jesus Christ as she shared in her 2014 Christmas Message:
‘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.’
Our prayer at Caraway, as we give thanks for Queen Elizabeth, is that we all gain comfort from the deep well of faith reflected in her life, a faith that we pray will also sustain and equip our new monarch King Charles III.
Church of England Prayer
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ exchanged the glory of a heavenly throne for the form of a servant,
we thank you that you have given Elizabeth our Queen a heart to serve her people,
and have kept her devoted in this service beyond all who were before her:
Grant our Monarch and the Royal Family, your grace at this time;
encourage us by her example to serve one another,
and to seek the common good,
until you call us all to reign with Christ in your eternal kingdom.
Amen.