Open to God, Open to one another, Open to the community
Remembering Prince Philip,
The Duke of Edinburgh
You will all have heard by now the very sad news of the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, may he rest in God’s peace. Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford writes:
“The prayers of the whole Diocese of Oxford are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family today and in the coming days as we mourn the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
We give thanks for Prince Philip’s long and extraordinary life, his faithful service to Queen and country, his support especially for young people, his humour, honesty and integrity and strong Christian faith and especially his steadfast support to the Queen over the long years of their marriage.
“Philip has been at the centre of our national life for so many decades offering a model of strength and stability. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory, and may God’s peace and love be with all who mourn his passing, and most especially his immediate family.”
We add our own prayers for the Queen, the Royal Family and all who loved Prince Philip:
God of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
for the love he shared among us, and for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Merciful God, be close to all who mourn,
especially The Queen and all members of the Royal Family.
May they know the hope of your promises and the comfort of your love,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Sadly, the Government has advised that current Covid-19 precautions mean we cannot offer a physical Parish Book of Condolence. However, the Church of England has opened an online condolence book, in which you are able to record a message. https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip
Those feeling particularly affected by Prince Philip’s death, may wish to light a candle for him as we open our worship on Sunday. At times like these it is helpful to join others in prayer and share memories with each other.
