Your Majesty

I love all things British, the literature, the art and architecture, food, and . . . especially British TV. The various British accents really get to me, and the clever phrases they use in conversation! I often wish I had a notebook and pen nearby so I could write down what I hear.

Last week we started watching season three of The Crown, the Netflix saga of Queen Elizabeth II. A new Prime Minister came to Buckingham palace to meet the Queen for the first time and there was some concern about whether he might not support the Crown. Tension mounted as a palace official gave instructions on the proper way to greet the Queen.

“When you enter the room, bow your head briefly, then speak to the Queen and say, ‘Your Majesty.’ Do not touch the Queen unless she offers her hand. Do not speak again until she speaks to you. Do not sit down until she signals that you may. When she indicates that the interview is over, bow your head again and say again, “Your Majesty”. Then back out of the room slowly and I will meet you and escort you into the hallway.”

The Prime Minister stepped through the door into the Queen’s reception room where he met the petite, plainly dressed woman. After a moment’s pause, he obediently bowed his head and said, “Your Majesty”.

Saying those words changed his whole demeanor. Whatever he thought about the monarchy before he entered Queen Elizabeth’s presence, he was humbled by acknowledging her royal title.

Cool Reception?

I thought a lot about that scene this week as I prayed. Sometimes it feels like I get a cool reception when I am ready to pray, like my prayers bounce off the ceiling and back to me instead of reaching God. I know God is there, but I feel like I’m doing something wrong.

Do I rush into God’s presence too quickly? Maybe I don’t think enough about who God really is or how to approach him.

Micah’s Advice

The prophet Micah asked himself a question about that.

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?” Micah 6:6

Then he thought about what God had already revealed to him.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Royal Protocol

Essentially, Micah concluded that when you come before God, you should humbly bow your head and address him as, ‘Your Majesty’.”

Recognize that he is the King and you are his subject and bring him a heart that is ready to agree with the things that are important to him.

Then wait for him to speak. Wait for him to extend his hand toward you. Let him invite you to sit down and make yourself comfortable before you begin to talk.

Do this and you will calm and sort yourself out. After a moment of being quiet in God’s presence, you will pray with more clarity.

Also, addressing God as “Your Majesty” makes you remember who he is.

Majesty and Kindness

God is majestic because he made everything and it all belongs to him. He is everywhere at once, knows everything there is to know, and has the power to do anything that needs to be done. He knows how your life should go and what is best for you. Almighty God listens when you pray.

A little later in that episode of The Crown, the Prime Minister asks if what he and the Queen discuss will be kept confidential and she assures him that it will. The Queen doesn’t keep notes or disclose what takes place in her private conversations with people. Elizabeth II doesn’t gossip and she doesn’t use her power to punish people.

God practices the same kind of confidentiality with you. You can say anything to him and he will never betray your secrets or shame you for speaking frankly. When you come into his presence, he gives you his full attention and doesn’t censor or correct you. He wants to bless you.

Which is why he deserves your full attention. If you start your prayers by saying, “Your Majesty” and realize who you are talking to, when you finish and say “Your Majesty” again, you may find that you mean it with all your heart.