ACCESSION PRAYERS

In the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) of the Church of England there is an Accession Service to be used on the anniversary day of the accession of the new sovereign. In the various copies of the BCP in my library the sovereigns mentioned are Charles II, William IV, George V, Elizabeth II, and in the next publication it will be Charles III. Of interest to Americans is that Charles I & II were also the sovereigns of the American colonies for whom the states of North and South Carolina and innumerable cities and rivers, such as Charleston, were named. The prayers of the Accession Service are models of Christian prayers for Heads of State, whether monarchs or presidents. As St. Paul exhorted, “I urge you then, first of all that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made of everyone – for kings and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1,2)

O God, who providest for thy people by thy power, and rulest over them in love: Vouchsafe so to bless thy servant our King [President], that under him this nation may be wisely governed, and thy Church may serve thee in all godly quietness; and grant that he being devoted to thee with his whole heart, and persevering in good works unto the end, may by thy guidance, come to thy everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

O Lord our God, who upholdest and governest all things by the word of thy power: Receive our humble prayers for our Sovereign [President] [Name], as on this day, set over us by thy grace and providence to be our [Head of State], that he, every trusting in thy goodness, protected by thy power, and crowned with thy gracious and endless favour, may long continue before thee in peace and safety, joy and honour, and after death may obtain everlasting life and glory; by the merits and mediation of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Almighty God, who rulest over all the kingdom of this world, and dost order them according to thy good pleasure: We yield thee unfeigned thanks, for thou wast pleased, as on this day, to set thy servant upon the throne of this realm. Let thy wisdom be his guide, and let thy arm strengthen him; let truth and justice, holiness and righteousness, peace and charity, abound in his days. Direct all his counsels and endeavours to thy glory, and the welfare of his subjects, and let him always possess the hearts of his people; let his reign be long and prosperous, and crown him with everlasting life in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.