A Wedding Prayer

Someone once told me that a big draw for people coming to the bible.org web site, which hosts this blog, is wedding resources. They come looking for wording. Whether seeking entire ceremonies or simply prayers and vows, they look to a site with the word “Bible” in it for help. So, today I’m sharing a prayer I crafted for one of my favorite couples, Lacie and Eric, at their beautiful wedding in the Air Force Academy Chapel near Colorado Springs. Some of the words I wrote myself, but I also borrowed phrases from songs like “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” and The Book of Common Prayer. Do you have a favorite wedding resource? Feel free to post it in the comments.

Almighty, infinite Father, 

Thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you for the gift of marriage and your blessing of it. Thank you that Jesus’s first miracle was to bring abundance to a wedding feast. Thank you that it was your wonderful idea, and for how you have fulfilled the desire of two hearts to be together in this life. 

Grant, O Lord, that in your mystic sweet mathematics, two shall become one. Cleave them together by your Spirit and make this couple more together than each of them is alone. 

We ask your blessing to rest on their house; that joy, peace, and contentment will dwell within them as they live together in unity, and that all who enter their home may experience the strength of your love. 

Grant them the grace to move toward each other rather than apart, to listen and empathize, to believe all things, hope all things, and endure all things together. Guide them into greater love and sacrifice as they care for each other’s needs, knowing you will care for them. Make them keenly aware of your presence as they sense it on this, their wedding day. And may their devotion in marriage be a radiant reflection of Christ’s love for his church. 

Please bless this couple in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast forever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.