The Apostle Paul instructed an early Christian leader:

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.¹

Scripture enjoins us to pray for those who are in authority

This is a prayer I wrote for use in our church the first Sunday after the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Grace to you.

Father,
Sovereign,
King of all the earth,

We approach you today heavy with sorrow at the passing of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II.

You have told us in Proverbs² that

When the righteous are in authority,
the people rejoice.

We have tasted this truth under her reign.

We give thanks to you today for her life. We give thanks for her steady service and sacrifice.

We give thanks for her commitment to duty that placed the well-being of the realm above her own desires.

We give thanks for her unbending devotion to her people.

We give thanks for the quiet dignity with which she carried out her role.

We ask, Lord, that as we reflect on her life and legacy, that we might be improved. May we see in her faith and in her grace a reflection of the one to whom every monarch will bow.

We ask for comfort for the royal family. May they be strengthened in this time of mourning. May they hope in you.

We ask also that you would bless the reign of King Charles III. May he lead with integrity, with wisdom, and with justice. May he rule in the fear of the king of kings, Jesus.

Amen.

¹ 1 Timothy 2:1-2, esv.
² Proverbs 29:2, av.