The Commander-in-Chief is the head of the Military Services, and as such, HM The Queen has the ultimate authority. The British Prime Minister holds this position in fact but not necessarily by legal right authority i.e.‘de facto’. Military officers and personnel swear allegiance to the Monarch. Her Majesty has personally served in the Armed Forces, as has her husband, sons and some grandchildren.
Traditionally, HM Queen Elizabeth’s birthday is celebrated with a great military display known as the ‘Trooping of the Colour’. Remembrance Day on November 11th is a day where Her Majesty leads the nation in paying a solemn respect to those who have died serving their country.
Pray:
‘He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ 2 Chronicles 20:15
‘God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.’ Psalms 18:30-34
Thank you God, that Her Majesty takes a personal interest in the Military Services of the nations of which she is the head of. Thank you for the respect that she has in the Military services, not only because of her standing as head of the nation but because of her personal insight and understanding. We praise You God, because many of the Royal family have served in the Military Services. Thank you that this has given them a unique insight into the world of Military personnel, their families and how service in this way is important for the nation.
I want to thank you for the Armed Forces today. Thank you for the men and women in training, those serving at home and overseas, those who have retired, and the Armed Forces families for whom serving is often costly in some way. Be with the army personnel who have been injured serving their country. Thank you for the encouragement that HRH Prince Harry has given initiating activities for the Invictus Games and other related activities for the Military.
I want to particularly remember the Armed Forces families who have lost loved ones in service, whether recently or years past. Be their every comfort O God, each and every day. Thank you that HM Queen Elizabeth leads the nation on Remembrance Day as a corporate solemn time to remember the Armed Forces and those who serve and have fallen.
In the days of hatred, unrest and disagreements among and within nations, that You O Lord are the One who knows all about them. The Bible tells so many accounts of battles that took place, both with good and bad intentions, and good and bad outcomes. I pray that you would be with the leaders within the Armed Forces to make decisions that are godly, and righteous in Your sight. Train their hands for the right battles at the right time with the right motives, and go before them I pray.
Committing all these things to You, Oh Lord, I pray,
Amen.