21/04/2014

Good morning.

Just before the 7 o’clock news this morning, the Radio Four announcer will say “Today is the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen”. It will be followed by the playing of the British national Anthem.

On her twenty first birthday in 1947, the then Princess Elizabeth broadcast to the Commonwealth from Capetown, South Africa. During that speech, she made a solemn Act of Dedication, saying “I declare before you all that my whole life, no matter how long or short, shall be devoted to your service”, She continued … “but I shall not have the strength to do this alone, unless you join with me now”.

It is not only monarchs who take vows or make acts of dedication. The most obvious of such promises is the one made when two people commit themselves to each other in marriage. “To have and to hold, for better or worse, for richer or poorer in sickness and in health”. Whether these or other words are used, the public solemn expression of love and acceptance take on a communal and legal dimension. It is a reminder of duty and responsibility as well as rights and privileges.

Promises, oaths and Acts of Dedication, are all expressions of one of the great lessons of life which is that we do not live in isolation from others. Even our private thoughts can have a public impact, not least in the judgments we make or the decisions we take. That is why an early morning resolution or prayer, can be a focus for the rest of the day

Gracious God,

Accept our daily offering, incomplete though it may be.

Accept our time, though it is sometimes wasted.

Accept our energy, though often frail.

Lead us, guide us, and hold us in your way.

Amen.