God Save the Queen ... or King?
Dear Friends and Families,
Many years ago when my grandparents – who are now both departed – celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary (60 years of marriage!), my grandmother’s crowning moment of happiness was receiving a certificate of congratulations from Queen Elizabeth.
When my parents recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary (50 years of marriage), the best I could do was organise a letter of congratulations from the Governor-General, the Queen’s representative in Australia, and our executive Head of State.
Some of us may not be aware that two of the Queen’s official titles are “Supreme Governor of the Anglican Church” and “Defender of the Faith” – the Christian faith.
In the New Testament book of 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul in chapter 2 writes, ‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’ [vss. 1-4].
Regardless of whether we are inclined to support the Monarchy or perhaps are ardent republicans, God tells us to pray for those in authority, so that we may lead lives of peace, and in due season, ultimately may come to know the Prince of Peace, Jesus.
For those countries like Australia currently within the Commonwealth, it is indeed a great blessing to have a monarch who has an active faith in God, and so we pray that in turn, both Charles and William may also entrust their lives and rule to the King of kings, Jesus.
For all of us, what joy it is to know that regardless of our social standing in this life, this same King is alive today, sending his Holy Spirit upon all who would call upon his name, which is a guarantee of his presence, love and guidance within our lives.
So, God save the Queen ... and King!
If you would like to speak further, or have questions about the Christian life, then do please contact either me or Reverend Sheela (our Associate Chaplain) at the respective email addresses below:
Reverend Peter: [email protected]
Reverend Sheela: [email protected]
I also encourage you to pray the prayer below for rulers and sing the song at the weblink.
If you would like to explore the certainty of Christ further, the two local Anglican churches listed below lead regular Sunday gatherings.
St Peter’s, Craigieburn (meeting at 10:30am on Sundays in the Chapel at Hume Anglican Grammar: 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham)
Minister: Reverend Sheela Pandhare
Mobile: 0451 973 733/03 9308 2452
Email: [email protected]/[email protected]
http://www.humeparish.melbourneanglican.org.au
Redemption Church Craigieburn (meeting at 4:00pm on Sundays in Building 12 – the Year 5/6 Centre at Hume Anglican Grammar: 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham)
Pastor: Reverend Akhil Gardner
Mobile: 0400 021 381
Email: [email protected]
https://www.rccraigieburn.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/rccraigieburn/
A prayer for those who rule (from the Book of Common Prayer)
Almighty God, by whom alone Kings reign,
and Princes decree justice;
and from whom alone cometh all counsel, wisdom, and understanding;
we thine unworthy servants, here gathered together in thy Name,
do most humbly beseech thee to send down thy Heavenly Wisdom from above,
to direct and guide us in all our consultations;
and grant that, we having thy fear always before our eyes,
and laying aside all private interests, prejudices, and partial affections,
the result of all our counsels may be to the glory of thy blessed Name,
the maintenance of true Religion and Justice,
the safety, honour, and happiness of the Queen,
the public wealth, peace and tranquillity of the Realm,
and the uniting and knitting together of the hearts of all persons and estates within the same, in true Christian Love and Charity one towards another,
through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.
Song (King of kings – Hillsong Worship)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of5IcFWiEpg