The passing of the Queen has been a massive shock to our nation and for many people around the world. Whilst each one of us will have our own way of dealing with this sad yet inevitable news, our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are of course with the Royal family as they have to deal with their grief in a far more public way than the population as a whole. I have already read some incredibly moving tributes made by those who knew her well and worked with her on a day-to-day basis.
Through the years her Majesty must have heard some incredibly moving organ music. I am well aware that her Majesty did not like loud open brassy Trumpet stops like the Trompette Militaire on the Bombarde at Liverpool Cathedral, the West Royal Trumpets at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Trumpets on the Bombarde at Westminster Abbey. Indeed, playing them in her presence was apparently banned.
The prayer comes from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:
O Lord our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of kings, Lord of lords, the only Ruler of princes, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; most heartily we beseech thee with thy favour to behold our most gracious Sovereign Lady, QUEEN ELIZABETH; and so replenish her with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that she may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy way: endue her plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant her in health and wealth long to live; strengthen her that she may vanquish and overcome all her enemies; and finally, after this life, she may attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
God save the King!
