The Queen makes rare comments about her strong, remarkable Christian faith

The Queen has said that she is "very grateful" to the nation for its prayers for her in a strong statement of her Christian faith. She says she has felt God's "faithfulness" during 64 years on the throne.

The new insights into Queen Elizabeth II's personal thoughts and Christian faith are in the foreword to a new book.

The Servant Queen and the King She Serves is published by Bible Society, HOPE and LICC to mark her 90th birthday in April.

The Queen says: "I have been – and remain – very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love. I have indeed seen his faithfulness."

She refers to the changes she has seen in her life, which recently saw her become the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

"The extent and pace of change has been truly remarkable," she says. "We have witnessed triumphs and tragedies." She alludes to the current problems in the Middle East, saying that the world is now experiencing "terrible suffering on an unprecedented scale".

The Queen's Christian faith is well-known. In recent years, Her Majesty has referred to her beliefs in public statements, including Christmas broadcasts.

The Servant Queen and the King She Serves highlights the Queen's faith and how it has shaped her personal life and service to the nation. A 12-page schools version has been published by Scripture Union.

Bible Society, HOPE, LICC and Scripture Union are encouraging churches to bring communities together to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday with thanksgiving services and street parties on Sunday 12 June, giving the book away as a gift to party guests.

related articles
Queen Encourages Celebration of Birth of Christ in Christmas Message Broadcast

Queen Encourages Celebration of Birth of Christ in Christmas Message Broadcast

Queen Urges People to Bridge Young and Old Generation

Queen Urges People to Bridge Young and Old Generation

Archbishop gives thanks for Queen who 'does' God

Archbishop gives thanks for Queen who 'does' God

A lesson in service from the Queen

A lesson in service from the Queen

Queen to speak up for faith and Christianity

Queen to speak up for faith and Christianity

News
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church
Blue plaque unveiled at Agatha Christie's childhood church

As far as we know, the church is not famous for a disproportionate number of mystery murders taking place nearby.

Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland
Humanist weddings may outnumber Protestant ones in Northern Ireland

Catholic and civil weddings remain the most popular but humanist ceremonies are becoming increasingly common.

Climate protests held at cathedrals across England
Climate protests held at cathedrals across England

A series of protests took place during the weekend at several Church of England cathedrals and abbeys, where members of the group, Christian Climate Action, called on the church to take a stronger stance on climate change.

The good news about repentance
The good news about repentance

It's such a loaded word but, when properly understood, it's the pathway to joy.