A prayer from Rabbi Alexandra Wright, President of Liberal Judaism and Senior Rabbi at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Additional readings could be added to services this Shabbat (Psalms 23, 90, 91 or Kohelet 3):

Eternal God, Source of Compassion and Strength, we stand before You in grief and sorrow to mourn the death of our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, who died on Thursday at the age of 96. During the seventy years of her reign, during which she saw many upheavals and changes, she served her people with enduring devotion and grace, uniting races, creeds and tongues with outstretched hand and cheerful countenance.

You endowed her with wisdom and discretion, with dignity and strength of purpose. In times of turmoil and distress, she sought comfort from her faith and led by example, speaking truth, abiding by her oath of majesty, accepting the discipline of her sovereignty and serving God with humility and intent. She worked with abiding and conscientious duty for the good of all her people, overcoming her own trials and tribulations to unite us as one humanity, whose purpose it is to do God’s will for the good of all people.

Merciful God, bring comfort and strength to her family and all who mourn her death. Remember her merits and righteous deeds which she performed on earth. Open for her the gates of righteousness and light, of compassion and grace. Shelter her for ever under your loving care, and let her soul be bound up in the bond of eternal life.

May her reign remain an example to guide King Charles with integrity and truth, promoting freedom, justice and righteousness, so that all may be blessed with prosperity and peace.

We pray for the health and well-being of the new King. May he be strengthened by his faith in You, God of all humanity, so that all may live in harmony, friendship and peace.

Amen.