Opening Wedding Prayers

A Prayer as a Reading

"A Marriage Prayer" by Bud Henry Bowmen (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 will 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

Prayer at renewal of vows ceremony

Gracious Lord our hearts are filled with great happiness as _________ and __________ renewal their marriage vows and today reaffirm their faith and love for one another. Grant that they may ever be true and loving, living together in such a way as to never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding, rid them of all pretense or jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may they find great contentment in the rich joy of senior companionship. May the home they are reaffirming today truly be a place of love and harmony, where Your Spirit is always present. Bless this marriage we pray and walk beside _________ and ___________________ throughout all of their lives together. Amen

Opening Prayer

This marriage is a serious covenant made before God and before all of us as witnesses. In acknowledgment of its Holy Purpose 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

Blessing of the Rings

Lord, bless and consecrate _____ and _____ in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other and always remind them of their love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Another Opening Prayer

Father, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ's love for his Church. Hear our prayers for Josie and Robert. 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