I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV]
The whole world is united in mourning the loss of a cherished leader, her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As Americans, we are not accustomed to a tradition of a lineage of royal monarchs. Yet Scripture reveres those kings and queens who were also godly servants of the people and of the faith. King David, Queen Esther, King Solomon. Even Jesus is called a king, yet of a kingdom unlike any in this world. Royalty is a noble calling with great responsibility that very few in the Bible ever achieved.
I did not appreciate the greatness of Queen Elizabeth until I watched the series “The Crown.” It is a historical chronology of the reign of the queen, starting even before her reign when she was a child. Elizabeth was not in the direct line to be queen, but she was thrust into the line of succession when King Edward VIII, her uncle, abdicated the throne. She became queen at the tender age of 26 after the death of her father. Yet, she lived up to the challenge.
Her 70 years of monarchy encompassed many crises in the history of England and the Commonwealth. Throughout it all, she was a rock and an example for her people. An example of a Christ-like life. Her deep, personal Christian faith was an inspiration.
In an address to the people in 2011 she stated, “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves—from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person — neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Savior, with the power to forgive.”
We pray at this time a prayer of gratitude for the life of servanthood that Queen Elizabeth shared with the world. She made her place in history, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. We also pray for the people of the United Kingdom, and for the queen’s family. We, along with the entire world, grieve her loss. And finally, we pray for Charles as he begins his reign as king.