Chapel Matters

Over 2 billion people watched the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday, making it the most- viewed television event in history. In addition, at least 2 million people poured into London to watch the funeral procession, while two thousand world leaders attended the service itself inside Westminster Abbey. These numbers are hard to comprehend but they tell us something about her significance as a monarch and as a person. We also get a one-off Memorial holiday this coming Monday! This will include a nationwide one-minute silence at 2pm at the start of the National Memorial service, held at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Wellington. “The minute’s silence is a way for people, wherever they might be in New Zealand, to stand together to mark an extraordinary 70 years of service,” as PM Jacinda Adern explained. During that minute, or at some point during the day, you might like to reflect on one of the following readings or prayers which I have taken (and adapted slightly) from her funeral service.

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and stand before the face of God? (Psalm 42.1-2)

If only my life was written in a book — better yet, chiseled in stone to last forever! Still, I know that God lives — the One who gives me my life — and eventually I’ll see God myself, with my very own eyes. Oh, how I long for that day! (Job 19.25-27)

Jesus said to Mary, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live forever, even though they die. And everyone who lives because they believe in me, will ultimately never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11.25-26)

Open your mouth and taste — open your eyes and see — how good and kind and gracious God is. Blessed are you if you run to God and find life there. (Psalm 34.8)

Let us pray …

We give thanks for Queen Elizabeth's long life and her reign. We are grateful for her life of service and dedication for 70 years.

We pray for her family and all those who loved her and are in sorrow. Comfort them and give them strength. May they know your love and find hope in your presence.

We pray for His Majesty the King and ask that you bless him. Give him wisdom and grace as he takes on this new role. May he serve you and the Commonwealth faithfully and wisely.

We pray for all the countries and territories of our world. Inspire their leaders to promote justice and care for the environment. May they seek the common good for all people, and promote unity and peace.

And we pray for ourselves, that we might find grace and hope in you. May Queen Elizabeth inspire us to care for others, to serve and respect them, and to put their needs before our own.

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, who loves us, served us, died for us, and gives us life eternal … Amen.

Bring us all, at our end, to heaven

where there will be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light;

no noise nor silence, but one equal music;

no fears nor hopes, but one equal happiness;

no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity.

Into that place where we live with you, world without end. Amen.