We have no way of knowing how many times we have sung these words. The second verse is not so well known but in it we ask God to pour on Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II all the gifts she needs to rule our country wisely. She has kept her promise to the people of Great Britain, made 70 years ago, that her whole life, whether it be long or short, would be devoted to the service of this country and Commonwealth.
How has she been able to make a promise like that and keep it?
Her Majesty has made it no secret that she has put her trust in God and draws on her faith in Him to see her through each day.
It cannot be said that she has had an easy life; we all know that challenges have come her way, just as they do in our lives. But, through all the tough times, she has kept going and continued to honour God, who she serves.
In the Bible we are urged to pray for kings (Queens) and all who are in leadership.
In the the Old Testament we read of King David. He was described as a man after God’s heart, which means he was in tune with God, knew God loved him and that God would be faithful and unchanging. David wrote many Psalms. One that is often read at funerals is Psalm 23.
He writes,
‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.’
This is a promise that King David believed and our Queen does too, and it has obviously guided her through her long reign. What a steadfast example she is to us all!
I urge you to continue to pray for her and all her family and thank God for her and all she has meant to this country over the last 70 years.
God save the Queen!
At 2.30pm on Sunday 5th June there will be a service at St Mary’s Church to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
During this service there will be memories, readings and hymns for us to share and enjoy.
As a church we continue to meet every 1st Sunday of the month for Bitesize@10.
Come and join us for tea, coffee, juices and a delicious bacon roll (or two)!
The other Sundays in the month we still meet at 2.30pm. Come and share this precious time with us.
You will be made most welcome.
On June 12th it is our Family Day, when we celebrate 170 years of The Little Chapel, TLC.
Rev David Bracken, Margaret, his wife and their four delightful children will be leading our worship and thoughts at 2.30pm. Tea will follow the afternoon service.
Coffee Morning is held every Thursday from 10 am to 11.30.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and even toast, if you haven’t managed breakfast, are served.
Jan and her team will be delighted to welcome you.
We would like to say a big Happy Birthday to three of our older members.
Gladys Line was 96 and Gloria Wallis was 80 on 20th May, and Bernard Line will be 92 on 5th June.
May God continue to bless you daily.