Her Majesty the Queen has approved the following Collects for use in services celebrating her ninetieth birthday this year.
Heavenly Father, who hast brought our gracious sovereign Queen Elizabeth to the completion of her ninetieth year, and dost gather her people in celebration of the same: grant that we, rejoicing before thee with thankful hearts, may ever be united in love and service to one another, and her kingdom flourish in prosperity and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Heavenly Father,
as we celebrate the ninetieth birthday of Her Majesty the Queen,
receive our heartfelt thanks
for all that you have given her in these ninety years
and for all that she has given to her people.
Continue, we pray, your loving purposes in her,
and as you gather us together in celebration,
unite us also in love and service to one another;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Liturgical Commission is pleased to circulate two graces for use at church and community gatherings such as street parties, as well as readings for a celebration in worship.
Bountiful God, giver of all good gifts,
we give thanks for the many years and long reign of our Queen;
Bless our food, our neighbourhood,
and our enjoyment of each other's company.
Help us to learn from Queen Elizabeth's commitment to her people,
so that our community may be strengthened
and all may flourish.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the King of love.
Gracious God, give our Queen continued wisdom and strength
to carry out the promises she has made;
and bless (this food, and) those who are gathered here,
that, sustained by service for others,
we may faithfully serve you, all the days of our life.
[With words from The Queen's First Christmas Broadcast, 1952]
Suggested readings to be used in a celebration of the Queen's birthday:
1 Kings 1.32-40 or Ecclesiastes 12
Psalm 21.1-7 or Psalm 72
Ephesians 1.15-23 or 1 Peter 2.13-17
Mark 12.13-17
Further resources and plans for the celebration of the Queen's birthday are being compiled by ChurchCare at a dedicated webpage.