A belated “Happy Birthday” !

By Helen Jesze, 22nd April 2016

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, ​and​giving of thanks be made for all men,​​for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.​​For this ​is​good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…”

1 Timothy 2:1­3 New King James Version

Last week was a special one for all those who love our Queen, Elizabeth II, as she celebrated her 90​th birthday on Thursday 21​st April. Gun salutes went off all over the country, beacons were set ablaze, and thousands lined the streets to welcome and congratulate her, as she did a “walk­ about” in Windsor, with her husband, Prince Philip, then drove in the ‘Queen – mobile’ at a snail’s pace through the streets.

Many people had waited for hours, while some had camped out overnight, (one of these being an 81 year old man!), hoping to see, even talk with her, or to catch a glimpse – even if it was just a corner of her hat!) of this special person. Countless bunches of flowers, cards and small gifts were presented, passed along to ladies­-in-­waiting and down the line, to be taken later to the castle. The winner of the British Bake ­Off competition had baked a tall, colourful orange­ drizzle cake, and the Queen made the first cut.

Most of us will never get to see The Queen, (although I caught a glimpse of her late sister, Princess Margaret, when she visited Guildford, in 1955, as her car swept by where I was standing), and most of us will never get to know The Queen either, but everyone in all the world can get to know the greatest King – the King of kings – the Lord Jesus Christ, and that’s far, far better than seeing or knowing any earthly sovereign!

Our Scripture verse tells us we should pray for those who are in authority over us, so now let’s pray:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the life of The Queen. We ask that you will bless her and her loved ones, and that ​she, and each of the Royal family may come to know your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, as their personal Saviour, if they do not know Him already. Amen.