1/23/10 The Kate-William betrothal is on every one’s tongue. A royal wedding is planned this spring for Prince William and “commoner” Kate Middleton. “First Commoner to Marry Heir to Throne in 350 Years” is how the Atlanta Journal Constitution put it. It’s big news not only because everyone loves a royal wedding but because he is 2nd in line to the throne of one of the most powerful countries in the world. He could presumably be seated on the throne within my (and your) lifetime. That’s big. Big because though the monarch's authority over the Church of England is not strong, the position is still very relevant to the church. Possibly prayer could connect the monarch and the church in more than a symbolic capacity. That would be really BIG.So what should one pray for a future king? Years ago, I purchased a Common Book of Prayer for a mere £1, from a little antique store in Horley, England.
The Book of Common Prayer is a permanent feature of the Church of England's worship, much loved for its beautiful language and its source for rituals and ceremonies. Since this book is a model and inspiration for worship throughout England and is also foundational for the tradition of common prayer for morning and evening, I thought this would be a good place to begin praying. These prayers, now even ava
ilable on-line, are taken from scripture and some are the confessional prayers of King David himself in Psalm 51. The apostles’creed and Lord’s prayer are included as well.Though the copy I have includes prayers for King George, Prince William’s great-great grandfather, my prayer is that the future King and his betrothed will add prayer to their daily agendas. Maybe just picking up The Common Book of Prayer will be a good, familiar place to start. Praying together could certainly be a great beginning for their own relationship as well as preparation for the future monarchy. Long live King Jesus!
