The service begins with the scriptures – sung by the choir – for the funeral from the Anglican Church’s ancient service book, The Book of Common Prayer of 1662: ‘I am the resurrection and the life’, ‘I know the life of my Redeemer.’ can take anything from it. With the music of William Croft from 1724, almost every funeral of a prominent Englishman begins: Winston Churchill (1965), Princess Diana (1997), The Queen Mother (2002), Margaret Thatcher (2013), Prince Philip (2021). The service also continues to follow the Anglican order.
‘You know, Lord, the secret of our hearts’ is also a classic. It was written by Henry Purcell in 1695, for the funeral of Queen Mary, wife of the Dutch-English King William III. ‘You know, O Lord, the secrets of our hearts. Don’t close your ears to our prayers, but deliver us, O Lord and eternal Judge. Do not let us fall from Your hand in our last moments through the pangs of death.
Guests arrive at Westminster Abbey. picture p
A selection of Bible readings reveals Queen Elizabeth’s deep conviction. “Don’t worry, have faith in God and Me. In my father’s house there are many rooms; otherwise I will say that I will prepare a place for you?” (John 14)
— Joost Röselaers (@Roselaers) September 19, 2022
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