Her Majesty, or other members of the Royal Family, also visit other countries as part of official state business. Invitations to a state visit are only granted on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. As Head of the State, HM Queen Elizabeth officially receives the state visitors with ceremonial importance attached to it. The first day of a State visit concludes a lavish State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, hosted by HM Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip.
This role also requires that HM The Queen supports and takes interest in the political and economic systems which governs her nation’s people. She opens each new Parliamentary term and stays informed by meeting/talking regularly with the Prime Minister. HM The Queen remains impartial to politics, leaving the making and passing of laws to Parliament. She gives Royal Assent to the laws passed by the Government of the day.
Pray:
‘She [Queen Sheba] exclaimed to king Solomon, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told. How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom! Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.” ‘ 1 Kings 10:6-9
Father God, I pray for the role that HM Queen Elizabeth has as the head of the state of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I thank you that she takes great interest in the varied affairs of the nation. I thank you that she wants the very best for each of her subjects, whatever their plight or situation. Her insight is unfathomable to me.
What an opportunity that HM The Queen has to invite other states to visit Great Britain to exchange and assist each country in understanding the other better. Thank you that Her Majesty, or her Royal representative, is also able to visit other nations on behalf of the country to foster international diplomacy. I thank you for the conversations that HM The Queen has with each state representative, and the depth and understanding that has grown over her 63-year reign of reading state papers and observing history. This history has been important beyond what we can see and know.
I pray that those who make a state visit to our country will exclaim, like the Queen of Sheba, that they have seen God’s goodness because of the reign of HM Queen Elizabeth. Please be with HM The Queen, and her Royal Household, as plans are made and executed for 2017 and beyond. Wisdom is needed to decide which states to invite and to consider the states who have invited her to visit. Unload your wisdom to the decision makers. Give Her Majesty insight to know who should represent her from her Royal Family.
I pray that as HM Queen Elizabeth looks over the constitutional papers each day, that she would know how to advise and what questions to ask of the Prime Minister, Theresa May. As the Prime Minister had to ask Her Majesty in order to hold a general election in June, I know there is potential change. If there are conversations that Theresa May needs to have with Her Majesty at this time, be their guide on important state matters. Give them the understanding needed on both sides as they listen and discuss.
As HM The Queen re-opens Parliament on June 19th, 2017, I pray that the tradition of the State Opening of Parliament would continue to demonstrate the relationship between HM’s government, and the Monarch; known together as ‘The Crown’. Although this year will not have the usual colourful display, I pray that there will be a sense of unity within The Crown at the ceremony.
I pray HM Queen Elizabeth will act with the knowledge and the insight that has grown over the years of her reign. May her Royal Family representatives have the discretion and glean great understanding from HM The Queen to represent her when assignments are given. Give them time to listen, learn and be inspired, as people and members of the Royal family. Be over Her Majesty’s Royal diary we pray.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.