In memory of Queen Elizabeth II

As we mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, we also give thanks for her life of faithful service, knowing that she is now home with her Lord and Saviour Jesus.

Like many, I had a mixture of feelings when I heard the news the Queen was ill and her family had gathered to see her. I felt quite emotional knowing she was, probably, near the end of her life. When the news of her death came through later, I did what many around the country did. I turned on the news, felt the wave of emotions as sadness, alongside thankfulness and admiration as the pictures and tributes came in, and toasted her Majesty on a lifetime of service and a job well done. I prayed for the Royal Family, who have lost a family member, and thanked the Lord for His sustaining of Queen Elizabeth II and taking her home to be with Him as she died peacefully.

The Queen’s faith was crucial to her. In 2000, she said,

‘For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.’

As one who was not born to be Queen, but found that role placed upon her, she knew her need for God’s help as she sought to give her life to public service. As she requested in 1952, ‘Pray for me…that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’ This she did through a period of so much change.

As Christians, death causes us to grieve. We miss those whom we love and are no longer with us. We do not, however, grieve as those without hope. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection means that Jesus has conquered death and those who put their trust in Him will go to be with Him upon death. We believe the Queen is with Him now hearing the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’

We grieve and we give thanks for the Queen – both who she was and what she did. We knew this day would come and yet, now it is here, it caught us unawares. We rejoice she is with her Saviour, Jesus Christ, and we now sing, ‘God has saved our gracious Queen.’ Although dead, she is now more alive than ever.

Thank you, Ma’am. Enjoy your eternal rest and reward.

Join us as we pray:

Heavenly Father,

We give thanks to you for the life and service of our Queen. As we mourn, we have joy in knowing that she is now at home with you, which is better by far. We lift up to you her family and especially King Charles III, please be with them all, comforting and strengthening them. May the Queen’s faith and trust in your son Jesus lead many to know and trust in Him.

Amen.