13 March 2012
Diamond Jubilee Grace released on Commonwealth Day
A specially-written Diamond Jubilee Grace has been released to use at Big Jubilee lunches. The Grace, made public on Commonwealth Day, gives thanks for the Queen's life of service to the nation and Commonwealth and invites God's blessing on the food communities will share and on all those taking part in local Big Jubilee lunches. It will be prayed by millions of people throughout the Commonwealth on Sunday, 3 June.
The Big Jubilee Lunch is part of the celebrations for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, as announced by Buckingham Palace, and encourages people to come together to share lunch with neighbours, friends and family.
The Grace
"O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, we give you thanks for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth; for her steadfast faith and for her royal service to this nation and all the peoples of the Commonwealth.
Bless the food before us and the people beside us; may the sharing of this meal strengthen our communities, and nurture the bonds between us of friendship, hope and trust.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who reigns as servant of all.
Amen."
Roy Crowne, HOPE's executive director, said: "The Big Jubilee Lunch starts with this specially-written Grace and HOPE is encouraging churches to take a lead to make this happen. The Grace can be used in part or in its entirety. By including words of blessing 'on the people beside us', it doesn't assume that everyone will say the prayer, which is said in Jesus' name.'
Pastor Ade Omooba, one of the HOPE leadership team, said: "The Queen's life of service to the whole Commonwealth has been an example to us all. Millions of people in the 54 Commonwealth states will be celebrating the Diamond Jubilee and sharing food together to mark this special occasion. Together we thank God for The Queen and for the good things God gives us. Saying the Diamond Jubilee Grace together before we eat acknowledges that God is our loving provider."
Pastor Ade is one of many church leaders, with Commonwealth roots, who will be encouraging church members to take part in the Big Jubilee Lunch.
As HOPE builds towards a big year of mission in 2014, one of the major mission opportunities being highlighted is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. It is a chance for the Church to build local communities and an opportunity for outreach.
Presentation versions of the Diamond Jubilee Grace may be accessed and downloaded as part of HOPE's collection of free Big Jubilee Lunch resources.
