Posted on 22nd April 2026
We have received the following from the offices of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York and are happy to share it with our members. The prayers are for use from now until Sunday inclusive.
The Church of England offers the following prayer to mark the centenary of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. While rooted in the Anglican tradition, its theme and intention are offered in a spirit of generosity and shared reflection and may be a source of inspiration for people of other faiths as they give thanks for her life and service.
These prayers are provided freely, without copyright restriction, and may be adapted or drawn upon to suit the needs, language, and traditions of other faith communities.
Contemporary language
Gracious God,
we give you thanks for all that you gave to Church, nation and Commonwealth
through the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth II.
We remember with gratitude her long life of Christian witness,
her compassion for those in need,
and her devotion to duty.
As we mark the centenary of her birth,
grant that, inspired by her example,
we may serve you faithfully in our own generation,
with steadfast hearts, merciful hands, and trust in your providence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Traditional language
O God, the fountain of all goodness,
we yield thee humble and hearty thanks for thy servant Queen Elizabeth II,
for the grace that sustained her in a long life of duty,
for the example of her Christian witness,
for her compassion towards those in need,
and for the fortitude with which she fulfilled her calling.
Grant, we beseech thee, that, keeping in thankful remembrance
the centenary of her birth,
we may follow her good example in faithfulness and service,
and, with thy saints, be brought at the last to thine eternal kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost,
ever one God, world without end.
Amen.
in direct language
Gracious God,
we thank you for the life of Queen Elizabeth II,
for her Christian witness, compassion, and fortitude.
As we mark the centenary of her birth,
help us, inspired by her example,
to serve you faithfully in our own day;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.