A hymn on the death of Queen Elizabeth II 8th September 2022

A hymn on the death of Queen Elizabeth 11 

 Once a woman heard a message, 
 telling of her father’s death, 
 spinning life round on a pinhead - 
 causing her to catch her breath. 
 From that day a life of service 
 putting others first of all, 
 meant a change of her direction, 
 yet she saw this as God’s call. 
 
 Celebrate her tour of duty, 
 duty built on faith and love, 
 ceaseless run since her Accession, 
 life committed, hand in glove. 
 Even though some question kingship, 
 all would witness cov’nant grace, 
 promise made, tasks undertaken, 
 never knowing what she’d face. 

 So we stand commemorating 
 One we seek to recognise - 
 grown in wisdom, dedication, 
 rest and peace her final prize. 
 Now, whatever our perspective, 
 may we be forever bound 
 in communion with our neighbours, 
 finding grace on heaven’s ground. 

Andrew Pratt (4/2/2022 & 8/9/2022) 
Words © 2022 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd 
Metre: 8 7 8 7 D 
Tune: MARATHON (Vaughan Williams); RUSTINGTON; BETHANY (Smart)