Archbishops give blessing to Diamond Jubilee prayer

The Diamond Jubilee Prayer, written at the Queen’s direction by the chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral, will be used at the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service on June 5 in St Paul’s as well as at other events throughout the year.

The Church of England said the prayer was commended for use by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York throughout all its parishes. Other denominations are also welcome to use it.

The prayer is part of a package of material for worship published by the Church of England on its website to mark the Diamond Jubilee, including a service of thanksgiving, prayers from the 1953 Coronation Service, children’s prayers and even a prayer first adapted for use during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Diamond Jubilee Prayer has been released ahead of a loyal address to the Queen, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, due to be moved by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at the start of the General Synod meeting in London next Monday. The address coincides with the 60th anniversary of King George VI’s death and the Queen’s Accession to the throne.

The Rev Christopher Woods, secretary of the Liturgical Commission and national worship adviser for the Church of England, said: “The fact Her Majesty has been our Queen for 60 years and is still full of enthusiasm and joy is the occasion for a great deal of celebration and thanksgiving to God.

“To this end, the Church of England is delighted to compile prayers, both traditional and modern, to be used in church services in 2012 – on Monday February 6 to celebrate The Queen’s Accession to the throne, on Sunday June 3 during the Jubilee weekend, and at other times during the year.”

Senior Royals and other leading public figures have been discussing their feelings about the Queen ahead of Monday’s anniversary

David Cameron said in an interview with the broadcaster Andrew Marr, to be aired next week: “She’s seen and heard it all, but I think she wants to be in a position where she knows everything that’s going on... she asks you well-informed and brilliant questions that make you think about the things you’re doing.”