The National Anthem

Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people
said, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ And all the people
went up following him, playing on pipes
and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth
quaked at their noise.
1 Kings 1.39,40

We hear the National Anthem so often in different situations: at sporting fixtures, at civic, military, and community occasions, and on television and radio. Some people may remember a time when it was played in theatres and cinemas. When we take a moment to listen to the words and consider what they mean, we may be surprised to recall that it is, at its heart, a prayer for the Sovereign.
As we sing, we pray to God that he might protect and care for our King, that God will grant him good things, happiness, and long life as he serves us.

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