Wedding Ceremonies: The Blessing

Here are examples of prayers and blessings that can come after the exchange of rings.

Protestant

All Standing, the Celebrant says

Let us Pray together in the words that our Savior has taught us.

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon or other person appointed reads the following prayers, to which the People respond, saying, Amen. If there is not to be a Communion, one or more of the prayers may be omitted.

Let us pray. Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. Amen

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen.

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other's forgiveness and yours. Amen.

Make their life together a sign of Christ's love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Amen.

Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you, and serve you. Amen.

Give them such fulfilment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.

Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. Amen.

Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and for ever. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

Roman Catholic

(This passage is omitted because of copyright protection. It is included in the book, For As Long As We Both Shall Live, available at your local bookstore or by calling 1-800-238-0658.)

The Rite of Marriage

Jewish

(This passage is omitted because of copyright protection. It is included in the book, For As Long As We Both Shall Live, available at your local bookstore or by calling 1-800-238-0658.)

Rabbi's Manual

Contemporary

__________ and __________, may the warmth of your love melt the snows of all your barriers, and may you truly be united as one, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Your parents, your families and your friends now recognize your commitment. Let us pray.

Most holy God, mother and father of all creation, may your blessings continue for __________ and __________. May you encourage and help each of them to develop into a more complete person, by becoming a more united couple. May the living spirit of Jesus grant them patience to mend their differences, wisdom and guidance in all their decisions .May the spirit of Jesus grant them grace in times of disappointment, and peace that comforts them all the days of their lives. We pray these things, believing in the power and the everlasting love of Jesus. Amen.

Michael Barlow-Sparkman

The officiant speaks first to the congregation of its responsibilities:

This is a moment of celebration. Let it also be a moment of dedication. The world does a good job of reminding us of how fragile we are. Individuals are fragile; relationships are fragile, too. Every marriage needs the love, nurture and support of a network of friends and family. On this wedding day I ask you not only to be friends of __________ or __________ but friends of __________ and __________ together, friends of the relationship.

In the moment of silence that follows, I ask each of you, in your own way to confer a silent prayer, blessing, wish or hope upon this wedding.

The officiant pauses for a moment for silence.

Blessing:

May the love you have found grow in meaning and strength until its beauty is shown in a common devotion to all that is compassionate and life-giving. May the flow of your love help brighten the face of the earth. May the source of all love touch and bless us and grace our lives with color and courage.

John Corrado

Creator, Savior, Loving Spirit, bless this couple who have committed themselves to each other in marriage and have come seeking your benediction. Surrounded by their families and friends, may they feel encircled by your love as well as theirs. Assure them of your presence in days of joy like this one and in days of sorrow, pain and bereavement. Strengthen their relationship through all the tests of adversity and brighten it with a generous measure of happiness.

Help them make their home a place where they love children and welcome friends. Spare them from interference by those who through wanting to help may intrude in what are the proper responsibilities of husband and wife, father and mother and children.

Make them good neighbors, doing for others what they would have others do for them.

Teach us all to love each other as we love ourselves and to love you with all our heart and strength and mind. Hear these our prayers, amen.

David Hostetter

___________ and ___________, as a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little, were it not for the love and commitment that you here pledge to each other. By virtue of being human, there is distance between you, which is both infinite and infinitesimal, simultaneously. Today you have joined in a covenant bridging that distance. Always remember that in reaching across any distance you two choices face you: to circle the globe in one direction or to take one step in the other. May you ever seek the shorter distance, for love is as difficult--and as simple--as that.

Fred F. Keip

__________ and __________, you have now affirmed before your families and friends your love and your caring for each other. You have come from different backgrounds. You have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love has transcended these differences. In the years before you may the richness of the traditions that have nurtured you enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.

May the challenges of your life together be met with courage and optimism. May you learn from your failures and grow in your achievements. May life bless you with children, friends and family in a wide network of mutual support and enjoyment. May you face pain, toil and trouble with a stout but light heart. May you share with others the radiance of your seasons of joy and pleasure. May you always remember that laughter is the medicine of the gods.

May the spirit of love be ever a part of your lives so that the union we here celebrate this day be worthy of continued celebration tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.

Kenneth W. Phifer

Most gracious God: We thank you for the beauty of this moment. Send your richest blessing upon __________ and __________, whom we bless in your name, that they may love, honor, and cherish each other, amid the ever-changing scenes of this life. Look favorably upon them, that their home may be a haven of blessing and a place of peace. Grant them fullness of years so that they may they see their children's children. Guide them by the wise counsel of your word, and when their earthly life is complete, give them entrance into your everlasting kingdom. And now . .

May God bless you and keep you.

May God's presence shine upon you

and be gracious to you.

May God's presence be with you and

Give you peace.

Amen.

Richard Thomas

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We welcome submissions of your original "Blessings" for wedding services. For possible consideration for inclusion on this page, send your E-Mail to:rfritts@his.com

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Revised - June 3, 1996