NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 9/9

The world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  Our prayer tonight comes from the materials published by the Church of England on the occasion of the Queen's death.  This prayer was written by Rev. Alison Swindells.

Lord God,
We give you thanks for your love revealed in Jesus Christ.

We thank you that this love is greater than we can ever imagine     

and stronger than death itself

and so we know that we can trust you

with our loved ones and with ourselves.

 

At this time of national mourning 

we give thanks for our late Queen,     

your servant Elizabeth
and for the gifts which you gave to her
and the ways in which you sustained her
throughout her long life and reign.

 

We bless you

for her dedication to duty and diplomacy

for her commitment to country and commonwealth
For her faithfulness and loyalty to your ways of love and peace.

We give you thanks for the respect and affection

in which she was held

by people of different nations and generations.

 

We remember her family, at this time, our Royal family

as they mourn a mother, grandmother,
great grandmother and family member.

May they find privacy to grieve for her,

solace as a public demonstrate their sadness and respect

and the peace that you alone can give.

We pray for those upon whose shouldersn

new responsibilities now fall.

And particularly for your servant Charles,

as he succeeds to the throne,

grant him wisdom, strength and courage

that he may rule wisely and well

with the support of government and people.

We ask this in the name and for the sake

of Jesus Christ whose reign knows no limits

and whose kingdom of love knows no end.

              ********************

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake

and watch over us while we sleep

that awake, we might keep watch with you

and asleep rest in your peace...

Amen. 

 

Tonight's song was Queen Elizabeth's  favorite hymn: Praise My Soul the King of Heaven.  This recording is by the Choir of Westminster Abbey where Elizabeth was crowned Queen in 1952, was married in 1947 and where here funeral will be celebrated in the coming days.

 

Praise My Soul the King of Heaven

      Lyrics by Henry Francis Lyte

           Tune: LAUDA ANIMA by John Goss

If a video doesn't appear below, click here!

 

 

Many will be know this hymn although some of the lyrics may be unfamliar.  These are the traditional lyrics which the Westminster Choir sings in the recording, a later rendition is theone in most hymnals today.  

1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Who like me His praise should sing?
Praise Him, praise Him,
praise Him, praise Him,
Praise the everlasting King.

2. Praise Him for His grace and favor
To our fathers in distress.
Praise Him still the same forever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Praise Him, praise Him,
praise Him, praise Him,
Glorious in His faithfulness.

3. Fatherlike He tends and spares us;
Well our feeble frame He Knows.
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes.
Praise Him, praise Him,
praise Him, praise Him,
Widely as His mercy goes.

4. Angels help us to adore Him;
Ye behold Him face to face;
Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space.
Praise Him, praise Him,
praise Him, praise Him,
Praise with us the God of grace.

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