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A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Rev Dr Stephen Wigley, Chair of the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church.

Good morning. This week we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne following the death of her father George VI. Arrangements for her accession were not exactly straightforward, for although the proclamation was made in London, Elizabeth was actually visiting Kenya with her husband, Philip, when she heard the news and had to fly immediately back to London from Entebbe airport. Moreover, it would be another year before she was crowned Queen in Westminster Abbey in June 1953, as an extended period of mourning was kept before the Coronation took place. But Elizabeth has now reigned longer than any other UK monarch and this year we look forward to celebrating her platinum jubilee.

Over these last seventy years the Queen has overseen some momentous times in the life of her kingdom and its various governments, and had weekly audiences with some 14 different Prime Ministers. Across the world she has contributed to the changing face of the Commonwealth in response to the growth of independence and helped shape it into a ‘family of nations’; and in her own family life she has faced not a few challenges and difficult decisions. Yet throughout all this, the Queen has remained faithful to the promise she made in her Coronation oath, that ‘the things which I have here before promised I will perform and keep. So help me God.’ So we give thanks for her self-less and dedicated service over her long reign and offer our best wishes for the years that lie ahead.

Almighty God,
We thank you for the example of faithful and committed service which Queen Elizabeth has shown to the nation and the Commonwealth over this last 70 years; we ask that her example may serve as an inspiration for all who aspire to public office, and that she may continue to govern with grace and enjoy good health and happiness. For your kingdom’s sake, Amen.