ROYAL PSALM
- You have given the Queen a long life
we used to look back with pride to the age of Victoria;
- the Elizabethan age has also been great
for half a century you've given us your blessings.
- The Royal Family has served our country
we've looked up to their pattern of life,
- through difficulties and problems we've seen serenity
in joys and celebrations we've admired their graciousness.
- They've helped us belong to a family of nations
no longer exploiting an empire, we've learned to share our gifts,
- across national and racial barriers we can meet as equals
we don't need to be divided because of religion.
- No-one can live without blame throughout such changes
becoming a focus in uncertainty can earn some respect.
- For humanity is royal when vulnerable or wounded
monarchy is to serve the future as well as the past.
- We praise you for your gift to our nation
God save our common hopes and save our Queen.
- For you are the Sovereign of all peoples
help us to share our humanity with all the world.
Notes:
As in several of the kingly Psalms, especially Ps. 21. Some of the phrases are from Canon Eric James.