.png)
This message from Pastor Rachel was shared with SBC Members on 9th September 2022
An historic moment.
The end of an era.
The loss of a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
A day we all knew would likely come in our lifetimes but somehow thought might not.
The passing into the presence of Jesus of one who loved Him and served Him wholeheartedly.
The death of a Christian Leader, our Queen, one who lived a life of service and obedience to the promises she made as a young woman, sharing wisdom with those in power and the gospel she believed with the world.
As we, our nation and the wider world reflect and mourn, let us pray as the priesthood God has called us to be. I offer this prayer written for the occasion by the General Secretary of Baptists Together, Lynn Green:
Gracious God,
We thank you for the life of your servant Elizabeth;
for her faithfulness to your gospel
through her words, example and humble service.
We remember with gratitude her gentle diplomacy,
her wise leadership and guidance in a changing world,
and the glimpses into her sense of humour.
She has been a gracious and godly Queen,
and so we commend her back to you:
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
We pray too for the Royal Family
as they grieve over the loss of a mother, grandmother, great grandmother,
especially for Charles as he becomes King,
and we lift up to you all in this country and across the commonwealth
in this time of national mourning and change.
Bless us with your peace, we pray,
today and always,
Amen.
A further prayer resource I have found useful is this reflection by Pete Grieg from Lectio 365 which can be found here: https://lectio365.24-7prayer.com/share/devotional/2022-09-09/day
In Christ,
Pastor Rachel Waitt