There are currently 53 independent and equal sovereign states excluding Great Britain. 60% of the 2.4 billion Commonwealth citizens are under the age of 30.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated each year. An inter-denominational service is usually held at Westminster Abbey which the HM Queen Elizabeth attends with other members of the Royal family. This is followed by a reception – an opportunity for the Commonwealth representatives to talk together informally. The next Commonwealth Games are in 2018 on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Pray:
‘And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.’ 1 Kings 4:34
‘Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.’ Daniel 2:20-22
Oh God, how we long for sustainable peace in the world. May the theme of the Commonwealth each year be a rallying call to peace and working together. May those countries who need help in this area receive the mutual support and encouragement that the Commonwealth provides. We pray that you would give the leaders of the Commonwealth a sense that You are in control, despite challenges there are in the world.
Furnish HM Queen Elizabeth with wisdom to know where and how to focus her time and energy on Commonwealth matters. Just as was said of King Solomon, encourage the Commonwealth ambassadors to take some time to listen to the wisdom and experience of HM Queen Elizabeth. Reveal to HM Queen Elizabeth how to answer questions that are asked of her. Capture Your thoughts in Her Majesty’s speeches when she addresses these countries, either personally or through a Royal representative.
Give Her Majesty effective communication with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and her Secretariat. As the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting prepares to meet in April in London, may You, Lord, to be their guide. Cause these representatives to be able to spend quality time with one another to discuss matters together when they meet. Give ideas, enthusiasm, problem-solving heads; and hearts ready to listen deeply to one other. Make the Commonwealth representatives effective in their communication over the miles and time zones around the world. May there be peace amongst these nations because of this common bond for the foreseeable future of the Commonwealth.
In Your name, we ask Jesus,
Amen.
Related posts:
The Commonwealth Games and HM The Queen
Head of State of 15 Commonwealth Realms
HM The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast