An Answered Prayer
by Malcolm Wood
For seven decades millions of people around the world have regularly expressed a prayer which many will not have recognised as such. The truth is that the recent celebrations in the UK bear witness to the fact that that God has answered that prayer.
I am of course referring to the British National Anthem sung or played at events of every type throughout the world wherever there is British representation or participation. I feel sure few would stop to reflect on the words expressed and realise that they take the form of a prayer asking God not only to save the Queen but to grant her a long life and a long reign. ‘God save our Gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen’.
The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II undoubtedly gives tangible evidence of that prayer being answered. For seventy years God has faithfully blessed, kept, strengthened, and helped her in her role as Monarch and Defender of the Faith. She has endeavoured to honour God whenever possible, and as a result God has honoured her with the respect, honour, admiration, affection, and thanks of many, many people throughout the world. The Lord indeed honours those who honour him (1Samuel 2:30).
Queen Elizabeth’s strong faith in God has without question been her source of strength, mainstay, and wisdom, and has set an example to all of us, whatever our position in life. God has indeed answered this prayer of millions by granting her a long life of faithful and loyal service to Him and to her people. For which we are grateful. ‘Long to reign over us: God save the Queen.’
We have no idea how much longer her reign will be, but we must continue to pray that those who succeed her will follow her example and have the faith, commitment, and resolve to reign with wisdom, integrity, and honour, as she has.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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