This litany was written as part of a Praxis South training day with Helen Bent. We were encouraged to write a litany or collect as an exercise during the coffee break. As such I must admit I spent less time on this than I normally would when writing a litany, but I still think it expresses something of the gratitude we have for her life and service. Please feel free to use it in worship if you find it helpful. We shared our litanies in Zoom breakout groups, and one line was missing a one-syllable word. I am grateful to Rachael Pennant for supplying the word "Posies" which sits the gap so beautifully.
If you wish to catch up on the day the video will appear on the Praxis South Youtube Channel shortly.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIUuyQikfiWduVRYgdh34tQ
A Litany of gratitude to Her Majesty the Queen.
For Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second,
we give you thanks and praise.
For our country and freedom through all of her life,
we give you thanks and praise.
For her prayers and her faith, a bright shining light,
we give you thanks and praise.
For the seventy long years of service she gave,
we give you thanks and praise.
For witness to you, the King of all Kings,
we give you thanks and praise.
For diplomats, handshakes, speeches and dinners,
we give you thanks and praise.
For quiet wise words, to guide those in power,
we give you thanks and praise.
For her willingness to live in the public gaze,
we give you thanks and praise.
For the rules she has borne for protocol’s sake,
we give you thanks and praise.
For her service and strength, giving comfort in pain,
we give you thanks and praise.
For the plaques and the ribbons, the posies and smiles,
Oh ruler of all, our sovereign God,
we give you thanks and praise.
