The Daughters of the King:
A Quiet Force of Prayer and Service
In a world often defined by urgency and noise, the Order of the Daughters of the King® offers a countercultural witness: a life anchored in prayer, service, and evangelism. Founded in 1885 by Margaret J. Franklin at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in New York City, this lay order for women spans denominations and generations, with over 20,000 members worldwide. Though rooted in the Episcopal tradition, the Order welcomes women from Anglican, Lutheran (ELCA), and Roman Catholic churches who seek a deeper spiritual commitment and communal support.
A Rule of Life: Prayer and Service
Every Daughter pledges to live by a Rule of Life that includes:
- The Rule of Prayer: Daily intercession for the spread of Christ's Kingdom, the work of the Order, and the spiritual growth of their parish.
- The Rule of Service: Loyal support to clergy and active participation in parish ministries that reflect Christ''s love.
This vow is not a casual affiliation—it's a lifelong spiritual discipline, reaffirmed through Baptism and Confirmation, and supported by a sisterhood that spans generations and geographies.
Two Branches, One Mission
The Order includes two branches, each shaped by age and spiritual formation:
- Junior Daughters of the King: Girls and young women ages 7 to 21 who commit to growing in prayer, service, and Christian leadership. Junior chapters often engage in age-appropriate service projects, mentoring, and spiritual formation.
- Senior Daughters of the King: Women ages 21 and older who take lifelong vows to uphold the Order's Rule of Life. Senior Daughters often serve as mentors, prayer warriors, and ministry leaders within their parishes.
Together, Junior and Senior Daughters form a multigenerational network of spiritual support, rooted in the Order's motto:
“For His Sake… I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.”
Projects Rooted in Purpose
While the Order's work is often quiet and behind the scenes, its impact is deeply felt. Daughters engage in a wide range of projects, including:
- Prayer Ministries: Hosting prayer vigils, maintaining parish prayer lists, and offering intercessory support for clergy and congregants.
- Service Projects: Organizing food drives, supporting shelters, assembling care packages for the unhoused, and coordinating parish outreach efforts.
- Spiritual Formation: Leading Bible studies, mentoring Junior Daughters, and facilitating retreats that deepen spiritual life.
- Pastoral Care: Visiting the sick and homebound, writing encouragement cards, and offering presence in times of grief or transition.
- Clergy Support: Assisting with liturgical preparation, offering prayer coverage, and providing practical help for parish clergy. Also offering help to those within the parish where they can provide.
Every daughter offers her time and talents to the various ministries to the church. Each chapter tailors its projects to the needs of its parish and community, embodying the Order's commitment to quiet, faithful service.
Join the Mary Magdalene Chapter at St. Paul's
If you feel called to deepen your spiritual life through prayer, service, and support for clergy, consider joining the Mary Magdalene Chapter of the Daughters of the King at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Sacramento. Whether you're seeking quiet companionship, purposeful ministry, or a place to grow in faith, this chapter offers a welcoming space for women of all ages and backgrounds.
- Junior Daughters (ages 7–21) are invited to explore leadership, service, and spiritual formation in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.
- Senior Daughters (ages 21 and up) commit to a lifelong Rule of Life, offering prayerful support to clergy and parish ministries.
To learn more or begin your discernment, reach out to the parish office or connect with a current Daughter. They wear the cross of the order to mark their vow of service. The Mary Magdalene Chapter would be honored to walk with you—For His sake.