Monday, June 04, 2012

Children pen prayers for Diamond Jubilee

Prayers written by pupils at a Church of England school are being used across the country for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Pupils at St Matthew's Church of England Primary in Westminster were asked to compose prayers as part of the school's contribution to this weekend's celebrations.

The prayers have been made available online at www.worshipworkshop.org.uk/resources and have been circulated around the Church of England's 4,800 primary schools, as well as more than 200 secondaries and many churches.

Headteacher Emily Norman said: "Our children, who come from a wealth of religious and ethnic backgrounds, relished the opportunity to write prayers in honour of the Queen.

"They were all able to choose qualities they admire in the Queen and give thanks for who she is. Celebration and thankfulness are very important values to us here at St Matthew’s. I am very proud of what they have produced and how these prayers are now able to be used by others throughout the country."

Mary Hawes, the CofE's National Children's Adviser said: “The Diamond Jubilee prayers of the children from St Matthew’s have caught people’s imagination. They are being used in schools and churches across the country – and beyond.  I have received a lot of feedback about the prayer by a little girl called Miracle (below) – it seems to really go to the heart of the celebrations.”

Dear Almighty God and giver of life.
We thank you for blessing our Queen with long life.
We pray that you continue to strengthen her as only you are able to do
so that she may continue to reign with love and compassion.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Amen.