The Faith of the Late Queen Elizabeth II

In recent days of such sadness and mourning the last 2 weeks have revealed to the nation and to the whole world how important Her Majesty the Queen’s Christian faith was to her and how it sustained her through both sad and happy times. The Archbishop of Canterbury explained that before she took her coronation oaths she first knelt before the high altar in Westminster Abbey and prayed to God.

Here are some of the Queen’s quotes about her faith. I hope we can all take strength from her amazing example of love and service to God and humanity.

‘The gift I would most value next year is that reconciliation should be found wherever it is needed. A reconciliation which would bring peace and security to families and neighbours at present suffering and torn apart. Remember that good spreads outwards and every little does help. Mighty things from small beginnings grow as indeed they grew from the small child of Bethlehem.’ (1976)

“To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”

(Christmas message, 2000)

 “I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.”

(Christmas message, 2002)

“For me, as a Christian, one of the most important of these teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.”

(Christmas message, 2004)

‘Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.’ (2011)

‘Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same – and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage.’ (1981)

LET US PRAY

During this last week we have had the opportunity to reflect upon the life of Her Majesty the Queen and also on our own lives. Sometimes it is helpful to pause in the business of life and to take stock of our past, present, and future hope – Where have I come from? Where am I right now? And –  What are my hopes for the future and for those nearest and dearest to me?

One of the key themes the Queen frequently referred to was that of reconciliation, perhaps there are situations in our lives right now that we need to pray for, in this area. For relationships to be restored and for love to unify us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let’s also pray for King Charles III and the Royal Family who have had to bear their deepest grief in public. Lord, we pray they will have some quiet time now to rest and to mourn in private and in peace.

RESOURCES

The Church of England: Saying Goodbye to a Servant Queen (Downloadable Booklet pdf)

A book for children Queen Elizabeth II the Queen Who Chose to Serve

A Life of Grace: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II