08/09/2023
Churches around the country are marking the first anniversary of the Death of the Late Queen Elizabeth and King Charles’ Accession, with prayers being said for the King, the Royal family and for the Nation.
The Church of England’s Daily Prayer audio services on 8 September reflect the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary (which is marked on this date each year) but also include prayers marking both Accession Day and the first anniversary of HLM Queen Elizabeth’s death (see transcript of prayers below).
Morning and Evening Prayer services are available via our website, the free Daily Prayer app, and podcast.
Liturgical provision for use by Church of England churches marking Accession Day is available on our website both from Common Worship and from the Book of Common Prayer.
A prayer is also being shared on the Church of England’s social media channels:
God grant to the living, grace;
to the departed, rest;
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth,
and all humankind,
peace and concord;
and to us and all his servants, life everlasting.
Amen.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby provided BBC Radio 4 Today’s Thought For The Day (read the full transcript), and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell shared the following message:
Transcript of prayers used at Morning and Evening Prayer on 8 September 2023
Today also marks the first anniversary of King Charles’s Accession, following the death of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second. We pray especially today for our King, that God may comfort and strengthen him for service, both as the United Kingdom’s Head of State and as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
We pray for him and for the whole Royal Family, as they reflect on this solemn day, continuing to remember and give thanks for the remarkable life and witness of Queen Elizabeth.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lord, King Charles,
and all who are in authority under him;
that they may order all things in wisdom and equity,
righteousness and peace,
to the honour and glory of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless, we pray, Queen Camilla,
William Prince of Wales, the Princess of Wales,
and all the Royal Family.
Endue them with your Holy Spirit;
enrich them with your heavenly grace;
prosper them with all happiness;
and bring them to your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
God grant to the living, grace;
to the departed, rest;
to the Church, the King, the Commonwealth,
and all humankind,
peace and concord;
and to us and all his servants, life everlasting.
Amen.