Westminster Abbey was founded by King Edward the Confessor and consecrated just before his death in 1066. Edward was revered as a saintly king, and ever since our monarchs have knelt in prayer at his tomb in the Abbey before their coronation. 

Today we think of the ideal of the king, and those who govern in his name: that in their personal and public lives they may show the values of God’s kingdom, where those in need are cared for and the oppressed lifted up, and there is peace and justice between people and nations. We pray for strength to live as citizens of the kingdom where God reigns.