Opening Prayers
The Lord's Prayer
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, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.)
Amen.This marriage is a serious covenant made before God and before all of us as witnesses, in acknowledgment of its Holy Purposes and the power of the occasion let us pray. God of Love, who gives us the longing for, and capability of loving, we give you thanks for _______ and _______, for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here.
Amen.Our Father, love has been your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between two people, which matures into marriage is one of your most beautiful gifts. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless ____________ and ______________ in their marriage. Surround them and us with your love now and always.
Amen.Lord God Almighty, Creator of the heavens and earth, thank you for the gift of marriage, for all the joy and love that it brings us.
We thank you for ____ and ____. Thank you that you have brought them together for this special day, and that you hold them safely in Your hands. We pray that you would richly bless them as they exchange their vows and their wedding rings, and from this day forward they would walk hand in hand into everything that you have destined them to be. We give our hearts and beings to You now in adoration and welcome Your Holy Spirit amongst us. Amen.
Father, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for his Church. Hear our prayers for _______ and _______. With faith in you and in each other they pledge their love today. May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love. Amen.
Lord bless this beautiful couple with love and hope. Keep alive forever more the vows they’ve pledged today. Bless their dreams and visions and keep them always safe. May peace and joy be with them now on this their wedding day. Amen.
Father of mankind, whose nature is love, look with favor upon this couple who desire to make their vows before you. We are grateful for the providence that has led to this union. Grant this to be more than an outward union, but also the blending of hearts and spirits and purposes.
Bless each with the inward qualities of integrity, trust, cooperation and forgiveness, that they may live together in love and peace. Amen.
A Marriage Prayer by Bud Henry Bowen (adapted)
(you may edit out any lines that do not apply to your situation)
Bless this marriage, O God, as ____ and ____ begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way.
Help them to hug each other often, talk and laugh a lot. Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves. Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinion and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears. Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Help them to realize that there is design and purpose in their lives as in the world, and if they hold onto each other, they will know that things have a way of working out for the good. Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives. But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love' that they now share in their hearts so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children's children forever. Amen.
INDIGENOUS WEDDING PRAYER
Today we ask the Great Spirit, to bless and protect you.
We honor all that was created as you pledge your hearts and lives together.
We honor WIND and ask that you sail through life safe and calm.
We honor FIRE and ask that your union be warm and glowing with love in your hearts.
We honor WATER to clean and soothe your relationship so that is may never thirst for love.
We honor MOTHER EARTH and ask for your marriage to be abundant and to grow stronger through the seasons.
We pray for harmony and true happiness as you forever grow young together.
And we ask that the Great Spirit be with you, now and always.