God, or our webmaster, has a sense of humour. It’s Coronation day, so let’s give the topic of hymn on this day to someone who dislikes choral music, panoply and nearly all ritual… Two traditional hymns are being sung on this occasion: Christ is made the sure foundation and Praise, my soul, the King of heaven. The other opportunity for the millions watching to participate in this act of worship (not a concert) is with the National Anthem.
As a Girl Guide over fifty years ago I had to learn its lyrics. On most official occasions, only the first verse is sung. Yet, the anthem, which has no accredited author, nor its tune a composer, has been our national hymn for 277 years and actually has five verses. Am I the only person who, when directed that selected verses of a hymn are to be sung, instantly queries why specific verses have been culled?
1. God save our gracious King! Long live our noble King! God save The King!
Send him victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us, God save The King.
What if the monarch is not gracious? And where is he supposed to be sent?
2. O Lord our God arise, scatter our enemies, and make them fall!
Confound their politics, frustrate their knavish tricks, on Thee our hopes we fix, God save us all!
This stanza harks back to times of the King leading our armies into battle. Yet, of course, the lyrics can apply to Nazism, fascism, or other reigns of terror.
3. Not in this land alone, but be God’s mercies known, from shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see, that men should brothers be, And form one family, the wide world o’er.
This verse seems to have been written in a more enlightened time; no longer are we focussing on us and them, instead a unity under God is suggested.
4. From every latent foe, from the assassin’s blow, God save the King!
O’er his thine arm extend, for Britain’s sake defend, Our father, prince, and friend, God save the King!
The mixed message continues! No wonder these verses are regularly dropped.
5. Thy choicest gifts in store on him be pleased to pour, long may he reign.
May he defend our laws, and ever give us cause, to sing with heart and voice, God save The King.
I agree with these lyrics, usually the only other verse to be sung! Especially if, as with Solomon, one of the gifts that God pours onto the monarch is wisdom.
God our Father, we acknowledge you as the only King worthy of worship.
Jesus our Saviour, we bow the knee to you as Prince of Peace.
Holy Spirit, who can work miracles within each of us, help us all to live in harmony in this country and all over the world you created good.
We celebrate our uniqueness under your guidance and, whether we enjoy today or merely tolerate it, let us work only and always for you. Amen.
Elaine Kinchin
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