Members of the Royal Family visit countries on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth who is head of the Commonwealth & Head of State for 15 other countries around the world. The family are unique and special ambassadors for HM The Queen, but also for the British people.
Every year, Their Royal Highnesses travel abroad at the request of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to further British diplomatic interests, raise the UK’s profile in the country visited and promote British excellence.
As Her Majesty delegates more overseas visits to younger members of the Royal Family, each Royal Tour needs a great deal of planning; and our prayers too.
Pray:
The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. John 12:12
‘They asked him [Paul] to stay longer, but he declined. As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. The next stop was at the port of Caesarea. From there he went up and visited the church at Jerusalem and then went back to Antioch. After spending some time in Antioch, Paul went back through Galatia and Phrygia, visiting and strengthening all the believers.’ Acts 18:20-23
‘O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!’ Psalm 139:1-6
Father God, you see all the comings and goings of the Royal Family more than anyone else, even their security staff. Whether they are at home, or on a plane going to another part of Your world, You know it. Nothing escapes your notice! This understanding is a comfort to those that know it well. I pray that You would make this known to each member of the Royal family and their staff as Royal Tours are planned, usually months, and sometimes years in advance.
Thank you for the organisation and planning that Royal family members and Royal staff members have to do for each and every Royal visit. Give each person involved in the arrangements insight. Lord, they need wisdom to understand the country and the people they are going to into-the country’s leadership and peoples, along with the projects and people they will meet. Give each one efficient time to glean and learn appropriate details before they travel overseas. Provide excellent communication between diplomatic personnel, the Royal family member(s) and the appropriate staff members.
Equip the Royal staff with wisdom in how to prepare the Royal Family member(s) so they can make an effective schedule. As they take into consideration different time zones, travelling methods, types of clothing and equipment needed, furnish them with knowledge from on high. Lord, I particularly remember the staff that accompany the Royals on these tours. They that are in the background, ensuring all is going to plan. Be with them behind the scenes in these highly orchestrated Royal tours with intense security operations.
As the media are informed about the Royal visits and follow where the Royal Family are going, I pray that they would be respectful in what they report: written and in photos. As these visits are to promote international relations, I pray that the international media would assist this objective, not hinder it.
People flocked to see Jesus as they heard he was coming or in town, today is no different as famous people arrive at a destination. As Royal family members find themselves in the public eye most days, keep them mindful of their actions and words as they meet people. As the cameras click, videos record, and social media goes crazy about any comments made, Lord, help and protect them in every aspect of a Royal Tour.
In the Bible, Paul travelled from place to place visiting and strengthening the belivers. I pray that as members of the Royal family undertake duties abroad on behalf of Her Majesty, that you would encourage each person that they meet. Give them the strength to make small talk with endless numbers of people that they may not have met before. Furnish the Royal family with a greater understanding of the country they visit and the people who live there.
‘The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.’ Exodus 13:21
Lord, may this be true also for the Royal family. Go ahead of them, provide all that they need during a Royal Tour. Give them a unique insight as Ambassadors, security in every aspect of their travel, rest & refreshment amongst the busyness of the days, and Your peace.
In Your name I ask Lord,
Amen
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