SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR THE KING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18639, 17 December 1928, Page 10

SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR THE KING.

LARGE CONGREGATION ATTENDS SERVICE AT CATHEDRAL. Special prayers for the King s recovery from his illness were offered at a united service of intercession held in the Cathedral to-day at 12.5 p.m. There was a large congregation and the service was conducted by his Lordship the Bishop of Christchurch. The Bishop read verses 12 to 15 from the 14th chapter of St John’s Gospel, and verses 1 to 8 from the second chapter of St Paul's Epistle to Timothy. “ We are bidden in Holy Scripture,” said the Bishop, “ not only to pray without ceasing but also to pray in faith even for things which seem impossible with man, but, if we believe them, are to the glory of God and to the good of man. Inasmuch as we believe the health of our king who has conferred such benefits on our nation and Empire by his devotion to duty and noble service to be of vital importance to this realm and the peace of the world, let us give ourselves to prayer for him, nothing doubting that if it be God’s will he can be raised up again to health and strength. . . .” The Bishop then offered a general prayer, which was followed by petitions and responses from the congregation—“ O Lord, hear cur praver ”; “ And let our cry come unto Thee.” The petitions were as follow: — “ Let us pray—- “ For the King, that he may be given strength of body to withstand and overcome the inroads of disease and ease from pain ; “ That he may have sleep and rest necessarv to the recovery of his strength: “ For his gracious influence as the father of our family of people in helping to keep us united in the bonds of brotherhood; “ For all God’s mercies to the British Commonwealth of Nations in war and peace under the rule of our King: “ For the loyal and faithful service of the King in war and in peace, and for his selfless devotion to duty; “ For the splendid courage and the devotion to duty of the Queen and the Royal Family during their anxious suspense; “ That the Queen and the Royal Family may be upheld in this time of sorrow and anxiety; “ That the doctors mav be granted Wisdom and skill in all their decisions

and work, and the nurses sympathy and grace in all their ministrations; “ That the British peoples may be united in a closer bond of brotherhood and mutual service by their common anxiety and distress; “ That in the presence of this trouble we may each devote ourselves afresh to a life of mutual service and to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The special prayer was followed by the Lord’s Prayer and the Benediction, after which the congregation remained in silent prayer for a few moments. The services, which have been arranged on the suggestion of the Rev C. A. Fraer, will be held in the Cathedral each week-day from, 12.5 to 12.15 p.m. To-morrow the service will be conducted by the Rev J. Miller, Moderator of the Christchurch Presbytery. On Wednesday Dean Julius will conduct the service. MIDDAY SERVICE AT CATHEDRAL DAILY. To the Editor. Sir, —May we avail ourselves of the courtesy of your columns to give notice that in view of the prolonged and serious illness of our King a brief united serviefc of prayer for his safe recovery will be held in the Cathedral each weekday from 12.5 to 12.15 p.m., beginning this day (Monday). We invite all citizens who can do so to join with us in this act of intercession for and sympathy with our King in his sickness.—We are, etc., Campbell, Bishop of Christchurch; William Greenslade, chairman of the North Canterbury Methodist District ; D. Gardner Miller, President of the Ministers’ Association; John Miller, Moderator of Christchurch Presbytery ; J. Robertson, President of the Canterbury Auxiliary of the Baptist Union.