The passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II leaves a void in the world that will not be soon filled, perhaps not at all until the Second Coming of Christ. Not since the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) has the world had such an ardent Defender of the Faith until Elizabeth II reigned. Not since the reign of James I (1603-1625), who commissioned the Authorized Version (King James Version), has the British Monarchy endorsed a Bible translation until Elizabeth II allowed the translators of the Modern English Version (update of the Authorized Version) to dedicate this work to her in 2014, which is tantamount to a royal endorsement. Just as the Authorized Version will continue to be the lasting spiritual legacy of James I, so the Modern English Version will be the lasting spiritual legacy of Elizabeth II.
Elizabeth II was born in Mayfair, London as Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor on April 21, 1926, and passed away in Balmoral Castle, United Kingdom, on September 8, 2022. On February 6, 1952, upon the passing away of her father, George VI, she assumed the title: Her Majesty Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and of Her Other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
She reigned longer than any previous British Monarch and was the second longest reigning monarch of a sovereign nation in world history. She reigned for 70 years, 214 days over the United Kingdom and 14 additional commonwealths, realms, and territories. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1977, Golden Jubilee in 2002, Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Elizabeth II is survived by her children: King Charles III; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; Anne, Princess Royal; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; and grandchildren: Peter Philips; Zara Tindall, MBE; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Princess Beatrice; Princess Eugenie; Lady Louise Windsor; and James, Viscount Severn; and numerous great grandchildren. Her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away in 2021.
In commemoration of the passing away of Elizabeth II, who allowed the Modern English Version Bible translation to be dedicated to her, I would like to share this prayer, penned by one of the translators of the Modern English Version, Verna Hall Linzey, who was given the titles “United States Navy Mother of the Fleet,” and “Honorary Admiral,” by the late Admiral Frederick C. Johnson, USN (Ret.).
A PRAYER FOR HER ROYAL MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
On Becoming the Longest Reigning Monarch in British History
(The 9th of September 2015)
Almighty and Most Gracious Father, for our security, Thou hast given long life to Her Royal Majesty, ELIZABETH II, and placed her as the longest reigning monarch in world history. Grant peace and prosperity to Her Majesty’s Realms,
Territories, and Commonwealth. We petition Thee to keep Her Majesty, your humble daughter, in the palms of Thy gentle hands all the days of Her Majesty’s life. Illuminate Her Majesty’s mind, continually, granting Her Majesty wisdom to lead Thy people well; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Verna M. Linzey, D.D.
Honorary Admiral, United States Navy
Mother of the Fleet
James F. Linzey is the chief editor of the Modern English Version Bible translation. He has a BA degree in Biblical Studies from Southern California College, and an MDIV degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
(SOURCE: Military Bible Association)