Our hearts today go out to Her Majesty the Queen and to members of the royal family at the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Here’s a short prayer, seeking God’s blessing on the family at this sad time for them all, and giving thanks for the Prince’s devoted life and work.
Loving God,
hear our prayer today for Her Majesty the Queen in her time of loss,
as she mourns the passing of Prince Philip,
for so long her husband, companion, friend and confidant.
Grant her comfort, strength and support in this painful time.
Hear our prayer for the family –
for Princess Anne, and for Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward,
for grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
for wider relations, friends and colleagues –
all those for whom Philip has been an integral and special part of their lives.
Grant them solace and succour in their grief.
Thank you for everything the Prince has contributed to the life of our nation,
the Commonwealth,
and the wider world community:
for his service with the Royal Navy;
for his initiative in setting up and supporting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme;
for his work with the World Wildlife Fund and many other organisations;
for the innumerable occasions he has supported the Queen in royal engagements
or undertaken these himself;
for his keen interest in science and technology;
for his openness to and promotion of issues of spirituality;
for the host of other unsung,
and sometimes unrecognised,
positions of responsibility he has held
and faithfully discharged across the years.
For the life he has lived,
the love he has shared,
the guidance he has offered,
the wisdom he has shown,
the commitment he has demonstrated
and the service he has so richly given,
receive our thanks.
Amen.