The Liturgical Advisory Committee (LAC) of the Church of Ireland has published several prayers for use in churches marking the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on Saturday, 6th May. The material includes two prayers for the King, one of which has been used at Coronations over the centuries (this prayer is available in traditional and contemporary language), a prayer for Queen Consort, and a short series of intercessions.
Speaking about the prayers, LAC Chaplain the Revd Adrian Dorrian, said: “Parishes will be marking the Coronation with community events, special programmes and during acts of worship. We hope that these prayers may be useful for those planning services leading up to and following the Coronation.”
The prayers are as follows:
For the King
(Based on a prayer in the 1953 Coronation Service)
O God, who providest for thy people by thy power,
and rulest over them in love:
Grant unto this thy servant Charles, our King,
the Spirit of wisdom and government,
that being devoted unto thee with his whole heart,
he may so wisely govern, that in his time thy Church may be in safety,
and Christian devotion may continue in peace;
that so persevering in good works unto the end,
he may by thy mercy come to thine everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
(As above, in contemporary language)
Lord God, in your power you provide for your people
and rule over them in love:
Grant to your servant Charles, our King
the spirit of wisdom and government,
that being devoted to you with his whole heart,
he may so wisely govern,
that during his reign your church may be protected,
and Christian devotion may continue in peace;
that so persevering in good works to the end,
he may by your mercy enter your everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.
(Based on a prayer from the Jubilee Resources)
Lord God, the Ancient of Days,
you are sovereign over all your people;
Give to His Majesty, King Charles enduring wisdom and faith
in the service of the people of this land
and of you, his Lord and Master.
Grant that his faithful witness
may be to others a source of hope,
that they may come to know more fully
your Son Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Queen Consort
(Based on a prayer in the 1953 Coronation Service)
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness:
hear our prayer and multiply your blessings
upon your servant Camilla the Queen Consort
as she offers herself with humble devotion to your service.
Defend her from all danger,
make her an example of virtue and godliness
and a blessing to the King and to his people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Intercessions
In thanksgiving and hope, let us pray to the Lord.
For Charles the King and Camilla the Queen Consort,
that they may reign with wisdom and grace.
Let us pray to the Lord.
For all those entrusted with the responsibility of government,
that they may lead with vision and discernment.
Let us pray to the Lord.
For the Church of Christ here and across these islands,
that we may bear witness to the gospel in our lives and our worship.
Let us pray to the Lord.
For all who are hungry, homeless and living with poverty,
that their needs may not be forgotten.
Let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the world,
that hatred, division and conflict might be things of the past.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Sovereign Lord, hear these prayers
which we offer in thanksgiving and hope.
May we, with all your people
ever seek to follow your ways of justice, mercy and humility
until that time when we win the unfading crown of glory.
We ask this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.