TheWitnessingandBlessing ofaMarriage
TheWordofGod
Gathering
Thecoupletobeblessedjoinstheassembly.
Ahymnofpraise,psalm,oranthemmaybesung,orinstrumentalmusicmaybeplayed. ThePresidersaysthefollowing,thePeoplestanding
Presider Blessedbe God: Father, Son, andHolySpirit.
People Blessedbe God, nowandforever. Amen.
Inplaceoftheabovemaybesaid
Presider Blessedbe the one, holy,andlivingGod.
People GlorytoGodforeverandever.
FromEasterDaythroughtheDayof Pentecost
Presider Alleluia.Christ isrisen.
People The Lordisrisenindeed. Alleluia.
Inplaceoftheabovemaybesaid
Presider Alleluia.Christ isrisen.
People Christ isrisenindeed.Alleluia.
Thenmaybesaid
Presider Beloved, let uslove one another,
People Forlove isof God.
Presider Whoeverdoesnot love doesnot knowGod,
People ForGodislove.
Presider Since God solovesus,
People Let uslove one another.
ThePresidermayaddresstheassemblyinthesewords
DearfriendsinChrist, or Dearlybeloved, inthe name of Godandthe Church
we have come togethertodaywithN. N.andN. N.,
to witnessthe vowstheymake, committingthemselvestoone another
inmarriage accordingtothe lawsof thestate [orcivil jurisdiction] ofX. Forsakingall others,
theywill bindthemselvesto one another
ina covenant of mutual fidelityandsteadfast love, remainingtrueto one anotherinheart,body, andmind, aslongastheybothshall live.
The lifelongcommitmentof marriage
isnot tobe enteredintolightlyorthoughtlessly,
butresponsiblyandwithreverence.
Let uspray, then, that Godwill give them thestrength toremainsteadfast inwhat theyvowthisday.
Let usalsoprayforthegenerosity
tosupport them inthe commitment theyundertake
andforthe wisdom toseeGodat workintheirlife together.
Orthis,forthosewhohavepreviouslymadealifelongcommitmenttooneanother
DearfriendsinChrist, or Dearlybeloved, inthe name of Godandthe Church
we have come togethertodaywithN. N.andN. N.
to witnessthesacredvowstheymake thisday asthey solemnize theirmarriage
accordingtothe lawsof the state [orcivil jurisdiction] ofX.,
andreaffirm theircommitment to one another. Forsakingall others,
theywill renewtheircovenant of mutual fidelityandsteadfast love,
remainingtrueto one anotherinheart,body, andmind, aslongastheybothshall live.
Let uspray, then, that Godwill give them thestrength toremainsteadfast inwhat theyvowthisday.
Let usalsoprayforthegenerosity
tosupport them inthe commitment theyundertake,
andforthe wisdom toseeGodat workintheirlife together.
TheCollectoftheDay
Presider / The Lordbewithyou. / or / Godbe withyou.People
Presider / Andalso withyou.
Let uspray.
ThePresidersaysoneofthefollowingCollects
Godof abundance:
assistbyyourgraceN.andN.,
whosecovenant of love andfidelitywe witnessthisday. Grant them yourprotection, thatwithfirmresolve
theymayhonorandkeepthe vowstheymake;
throughJesusChrist ourSavior,
wholivesand reignswithyou inthe unityof theHolySpirit,
one God, foreverandever. Amen.
orthis
orthis
AlmightyandeverlivingGod:
looktenderlyuponN.andN.,
whostandbefore you inthe companyof yourChurch. Let theirlifetogetherbringthemgreat joy.
Grant them sotoloveselflesslyandlive humbly,
that theymaybe to one anotherandtothe world
awitnessanda sign of yournever-failinglove and care;
throughJesusChrist yourSonourLord,
wholivesand reignswithyou andthe HolySpirit, one God, tothe agesof ages.Amen.
OGod, faithful andtrue,
whosesteadfastlove enduresforever:
wegive you thanksfor sustaining N. andN.inthe lifetheyshare
andforbringingthemtothisday.
Nurture them andfill them withjoyintheirlifetogether, continuingthe good workyou have beguninthem;
andgrant us, withthem, adwellingplace eternal inthe heavens
where all yourpeople will sharethe joyof perfectlove,
andwhere you, withthe Sonandthe HolySpirit, liveandreign,
one God, nowandforever. Amen.
orthis,forthosewhobringchildren
HolyTrinity, oneGod,
three Personsperfectinunityandequal in majesty:
Drawtogetherwithbonds of love andaffection
N.andN., who withtheirfamilies
seek tolive inharmonyandforbearance all their days,
that theirjoiningtogether will be to us a reflectionof that perfect communion whichisyourveryessenceandlife,
OFather, Son, andHoly Spirit,
wholive andreigningloryeverlasting. Amen.
TheLessons
Thepeoplesit.Thenoneormoreofthefollowingpassagesof Scriptureisread.If theHolyCommunionis tobecelebrated,a passagefromtheGospelsalwaysconcludestheReadings.Whentheblessingis celebratedinthecontextoftheSunday Eucharist,theReadingsoftheSundayareused,exceptwiththepermissionoftheBishop.
Ruth1:16–17 Ecclesiastes4:9–12
1 Samuel18:1b,3; 20:16–17;42a; Song of Solomon2:10–13;8:6–7
or1Samuel18:1–4 Micah4:1–4
Romans12:9–18 Ephesians3:14–21
1Corinthians12:31b–13:13 Colossians3:12–17
2Corinthians5:17–20 1 John3:18–24
Galatians5:14,22–26 1 John4:7–16,21
WhenabiblicalpassageotherthanonefromtheGospelsistoberead,theReaderannouncesitwiththesewords
Reader A Readingfrom .
AftertheReading,theReadermaysay
TheWordof the Lord.
or / Hearwhat the Spirit issayingtoGod’speople.People / or / Hearwhat the Spirit issayingtotheChurches.
Thanksbe toGod.
BetweentheReadings,apsalm,hymn,oranthemmaybesungorsaid.AppropriatepsalmsarePsalm65,Psalm67, Psalm
85:7–13,Psalm98,Psalm100, Psalm126, Psalm127,Psalm133,Psalm148,andPsalm149:1–5.
AppropriatepassagesfromtheGospelsare
Matthew5:1–16 John15:9–17
Mark12:28–34 John17:1–2,18–26
Luke6:32–38
Allstanding,theDeaconor PriestreadstheGospel,firstsaying
The HolyGospel of ourLordJesusChristaccordingto .
or The HolyGospel of ourSaviorJesusChrist accordingto .
People Glorytoyou, LordChrist.
AftertheGospel,theReadersays
The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praisetoyou, LordChrist.
TheSermon
TheWitnessingof theVowsandtheBlessingoftheCovenant
Thecouplecomesbeforetheassembly.If thereis tobeapresentation,thepresentersstandwiththecouple,andthe
Presidersaystothem
Presider WhopresentsN.andN., asthey seekthe blessingofGodandtheChurchontheirlove andlife together?
Presenters We do.
Presider Will you love, respect, andprayfor N.andN., anddoall inyourpowertostand withthem in the life theywill share?
Presenters We will.
ThePresiderthenaddressesthecouple,saying
N.andN., you havecomebefore GodandtheChurchto exchange andrenewsolemnvows withone anotherandtoaskGod’sblessing.
ThePresideraddressesonememberofthecouple,saying
Presider N., doyou freelyandunreservedlyoffer yourselfto N.?
Answer Ido.
Presider Will you continuetolive togetherinfaithfulnessandholinessof life aslongasyou both shall live?
Answer I will, withGod’shelp.
ThePresideraddressestheothermemberofthecouple,saying
Presider N., doyou freelyandunreservedlyofferyourselfto N.?
Answer Ido.
Presider Will you continuetolive togetherinfaithfulnessandholinessof life aslongasyou both shall live?
Answer I will, withGod’shelp.
Theassemblystands,thecouplefacesthePeople,andthePresideraddressesthem,saying
Presider Will all of yougatheredtowitnessthese vowsdoallinyourpowerto upholdandhonorthis couple inthecovenant theymake?
People We will.
Presider Will you prayforthem, especiallyintimesof trouble, andcelebrate withthemintimesof joy?
People We will.
ThePrayers
ThePresiderthenintroducestheprayers
Presider Thenlet usprayfor N.andN.intheirlife togetherandfortheconcernsof thiscommunity.
ADeaconoranotherleaderbidsprayersforthecouple.
PrayersfortheChurchandfortheworld,fortheconcernsofthelocalcommunity,forthosewhosufferorfacetrouble,and forthedepartedarealsoappropriate.If theritetakesplaceintheprincipalSundayworshipofthecongregation,therubric concerningthePrayersofthePeopleonpage359oftheBookofCommonPrayeris followed.
Adaptationsorinsertionsmaybemadetotheformthatfollows. Abarinthemarginindicatesabiddingthatmaybeomitted.
Leader ForN.andN., seekingyourblessingandtheblessing of yourholypeople; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Fora spirit of loving-kindnesstoshelterthem alltheir days; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forfriendstosupport them andcommunitiestoenfoldthem; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forpeace intheirhome andlove intheirfamily; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthegrace andwisdomtocare forthechildrenyouentrust tothem [ormayentrust to them];
LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthe honestytoacknowledge whentheyhurt eachother, andthehumilitytoseek each other’sforgivenessandyours;
LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthe outpouringof yourlove throughtheirworkandwitness; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthestrengthtokeep thevowseachof ushasmade; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Theleadermayaddoneormoreofthefollowingbiddings
Leader Forall whohave beenrebornandmadenewinthewatersof Baptism; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthose wholeadandserve incommunitiesof faith; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthose whoseek justice, peace, and concordamongnations; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forthose whoaresickorsuffering, homelessorpoor; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader Forvictimsof violenceandthose whoinflict it; LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
Leader For communionwithall whohave died[especiallythose whom we remember thisday: ];
LovingGod, or Lord, inyourmercy,
People Hearourprayer.
ThePresiderconcludesthePrayerswiththefollowingoranotherappropriateCollect
Giverof everygift,sourceof all goodness,
heartheprayerswe bringbefore youforN.andN.,
whoseek yourblessingthisday.
Strengthenthem astheyshare inthesavingworkofJesus, andbringabout forthemandforallyou havecreated
the fullnessof life he promised,
whonowlivesand reignsforeverandever.Amen.
If theEucharistis tofollow,theLord’sPrayeris omittedhere.
Leader
People
andLeader
AsourSaviorChrist hastaught us,
we nowpray,
OurFatherinheaven, hallowedbe yourName,
Andnow, asourSavior Christhastaughtus, we are boldtosay,
OurFather, whoart inheaven, hallowedbe thyName,
yourkingdomcome, yourwill be done,
onearthasinheaven.
Give ustodayourdailybread.
Forgive usoursins
aswe forgivethose whosinagainst us.
Save usfrom the time of trial,
anddeliverusfrom evil. Forthe kingdom, the power,
andthe gloryareyours,
nowandforever. Amen.
thykingdom come, thywill bedone,
onearthasit isinheaven. Give usthisdayourdailybread. Andforgive usourtrespasses,
aswe forgivethose
whotrespassagainst us.
Andleadusnot intotemptation,
butdeliverusfrom evil. Forthineisthe kingdom,
andthe power, andtheglory,
foreverandever.Amen.
TheMarriage
ThePeoplesit.Thecouplestands,facingthePresider.
Presider N.andN., Iinvite you now,illuminedbytheWordofGodand strengthenedbythe prayerof thiscommunity, to makeyour covenantbefore Godandthe Church.
Eachmemberofthecouple,inturn,takesthehandofthe otherandsays
Inthe name of God,
I, N., give myselftoyou,N.
I will support andcare foryou bythegrace of God:
intimesofsickness, intimesof health.
I will holdand cherishyou inthe love of Christ:
intimesof plenty, intimes of want.
I will honorandlove youwiththe Spirit’shelp:
intimesof anguish, intimesof joy,
forsakingall others, aslongaswe bothshall live.
Thisismysolemnvow.
orthis
Inthe name of God,
I, N., give myselftoyou,N.
I will support andcare foryou:
intimesofsickness, intimesof health. I will holdand cherishyou:
intimesof plenty, intimes of want.
I will honorandlove you:
intimesof anguish, intimesof joy,
forsakingall others, aslongaswe bothshall live.
Thisismysolemnvow.
If ringsaretobe exchanged,theyarebroughtbeforethePresider,whopraysusingthefollowingwords
Let uspray.
Bless,OGod,theserings
assignsof the enduringcovenant
N.andN. have made witheachother,
throughJesusChrist ourLord. Amen.
Thetwopeopleplacetheringsonthefingersofoneanother,firsttheone,thentheother,saying
N.,Igive you thisringasasymbol of myvow,
andwithallthat Iam, andall that Ihave, Ihonoryou,
inthe name of God. or inthe nameof the Father,andof theSon, andof theHolySpirit.
If thetwohavepreviouslygivenand wornringsasasymboloftheircommitment,theringsmaybeblessedonthehandsof thecouple,thePresidersaying
Let uspray.
Bytheringswhichtheyhave worn, faithful God,
N.andN.haveshowntoone anotherandthe world
theirlove andfaithfulness.
Blessnowthese rings,
that from thisdayforward
theymaybesignsof the vowsN.andN.have exchanged
inyourpresenceandinthe communionof yourChurch, throughChrist ourLord. Amen.
Pronouncement
ThePresidersays
NowthatN.andN. have exchangedvows of love andfidelity inthe presence of GodandtheChurch,
Ipronounce that theyare
marriedaccordingtothe lawsof the state [orcivil jurisdiction] of X.
andboundto one another
aslongastheybothshall live. Amen.
Blessingof theCouple
Asthecouplestandsorkneels,thePresiderinvokesGod’sblessinguponthem,saying
Let uspray.
MostgraciousGod,
we praiseyou forthe tendermercyandunfailingcare revealedtousinJesustheChrist
andforthe great joyand comfort bestoweduponus
inthegift of humanlove.
We giveyou thanksforN.andN.,
andthe covenant of faithfulnesstheyhave made.
Pourout the abundance of yourHolySpirit uponthem. Keep them inyoursteadfast love;
protectthem from alldanger;
fill them withyourwisdom andpeace;
leadthem inholyservice toeachotherandthe world.
ThePresidercontinueswithoneofthefollowing
Godthe Father, Godthe Son,
Godthe HolySpirit,
bless, preserve, andkeepyou,
orthis
andmercifullygrant yourichandboundlessgrace, that you mayplease Godinbodyandsoul.
Godmake you asignof the loving-kindnessandsteadfast fidelity manifest inthe life,death,andresurrectionof ourSavior,
andbringyou at last tothe delight of the heavenlybanquet, where he livesand reignsforeverandever.Amen.
God, the holyandundividedTrinity, bless, preserve, andkeepyou,
andmercifullygrant yourichandboundlessgrace, that you mayplease Godinbodyandsoul.
Godmake you asignof the loving-kindnessandsteadfast fidelity manifest inthe life,death,andresurrectionof ourSavior,
andbringyou at last tothe delight of the heavenlybanquet,
where he livesand reignsforeverandever.Amen.
ThePeace
ThePresiderbidsthePeace.
Presider The peace of the Lordbealwayswithyou.
People Andalso withyou.
Inplaceoftheabovemaybesaid
Presider The peace ofChrist be alwayswithyou.
People Andalso withyou.
TheliturgycontinueswiththeHolyCommunion.WhentheEucharistis notcelebrated,thePresiderblessesthepeople.The
Deacon,orintheabsenceofaDeacon,thePriest,dismissesthem.
At the Eucharist
TheliturgycontinueswiththeOffertory,atwhichthecouplemaypresenttheofferingsofbreadand wine. Thefollowingproperprefacemaybesaid
Because inthegivingof twopeople toeachotherinfaithful love you reveal the joyandabundantlife you share
withyourSonJesus Christandthe HolySpirit.
Thefollowingpostcommunionprayermaybesaid
Godourstrengthandjoy,
we thankyou forthecommunionof ourlife together,
forthe example of holylove that you give usinN.andN.,
andforthe Sacramentof the BodyandBlood
ofourSaviorJesusChrist.
Grant that it mayrenewourhope
andnourishusforthe workyou set before us
to witnesstothe presence of Christ inthe world, throughthe powerofyourSpirit,
andtothe gloryof yourName. Amen.
3.TheCelebrationandBlessing ofaMarriage(2)
AdaptedfromTheBookof CommonPrayer 1979
Concerning theService
AtleastoneofthepartiesmustbeabaptizedChristian;theceremonymustbeattestedbyatleasttwo witnesses; andthemarriage mustconform tothe lawsof the State.
ApriestorabishopnormallypresidesattheCelebrationandBlessingofaMarriage,becausesuchministers alone have the functionofpronouncingthe nuptial blessing, andofcelebratingthe HolyEucharist.
Whenbothabishopandapriestarepresentandofficiating,thebishopshouldpronouncetheblessingand preside at theEucharist.
Adeacon,oranassistingpriest,maydeliverthecharge,askfortheDeclarationofConsent,readtheGospel, andperform otherassistingfunctionsat theEucharist.
Whereitispermittedbycivillawthatdeaconsmayperformmarriages,andnopriestorbishopisavailable,a deaconmayusetheservice whichfollows, omittingthe nuptial blessingwhichfollowsThe Prayers.
It isdesirablethat the Lessonsfrom theOldTestament andthe Epistlesbereadbylaypersons.
Intheopeningexhortation(atthe symbolofN. N.), thefullnamesofthepersonstobe marriedare declared. Subsequently, onlytheir Christiannamesare used.
Additional Directionsareonpage 104.
TheCelebrationandBlessing of a Marriage (2)
Atthetimeappointed,thepersonstobemarried,withtheirwitnesses,assembleinthechurchorsomeotherappropriate place.
Duringtheirentrance,ahymn,psalm,oranthemmaybesung,orinstrumentalmusicmaybeplayed.
ThentheCelebrant,facingthepeopleandthepersonstobemarried,addressesthecongregationandsays
Dearlybeloved:Wehave come togetherinthe presence of Godto witnessandblessthe joiningtogetherofN. andN.inHolyMatrimony.Thejoiningof twopeople inalife of mutual fidelitysignifiestousthemysteryof the unionbetween Christ andhisChurch,andsoit is worthyof beinghonoredamongall people.
The unionof twopeople inheart, body, andmindisintendedbyGodfortheirmutual joy; for the help andcomfort givenone anotherinprosperityandadversity; and, whenit isGod’s will, forthe gift ofchildrenandtheirnurture intheknowledge andlove of the Lord. Therefore marriage isnottobe enteredinto unadvisedlyorlightly, butreverently, deliberately, andinaccordance withthe purposesfor whichit wasinstitutedbyGod.
IntothisholyunionN. N. andN.N.nowcome tobe joined.
If anyof you canshowjust cause whytheymaynotlawfullybe married, speaknow; orelse foreverholdyourpeace.
ThentheCelebrantsaystothepersonstobemarried
Irequire andcharge you both, here inthe presenceof God, that if eitherof you knowsany reasonwhyyou maynot be unitedin marriage lawfully, andinaccordance withGod’sWord, you donowconfessit.
The DeclarationofConsent
TheCelebrantsaystoonememberofthecouple,thento theother
N., will you have thiswoman/man/persontobeyourwife/husband/spouse;tolive togetherin the covenant of marriage?Will you loveher/him,comforther/him,honorandkeepher/him, in sicknessandinhealth; and, forsakingall others, befaithful toher/himaslongasyou both shall live?
Answer I will.
TheCelebrantthenaddressesthecongregation,saying
Will all of you witnessingthese promisesdoall inyourpowerto upholdthesetwopersonsin theirmarriage?
People We will.
If thereis to beapresentationoragivinginmarriage,ittakesplaceatthistime. SeeAdditionalDirections,p.104.
Ahymn,psalm,oranthemmayfollow.
TheMinistryoftheWord
TheCelebrantthensaystothepeople
The Lordbewithyou. People Andalso withyou.Celebrant Let uspray.
OgraciousandeverlivingGod, you havecreatedhumankindinyourimage: Lookmercifully uponN. andN. whocometoyou seekingyourblessing, andassist them withyour grace, that withtrue fidelityandsteadfast love theymayhonorandkeepthe promisesandvowsthey make; throughJesusChrist ourSavior, wholivesandreignswithyou inthe unityof the Holy Spirit, one God, foreverandever. Amen.
ThenoneormoreofthefollowingpassagesfromHolyScriptureis read.OtherreadingsfromScripturesuitableforthe occasionmaybe used.If thereis tobeaCommunion,apassagefromtheGospelalwaysconcludestheReadings.
Genesis1:26–28(Maleandfemalehecreatedthem)
Song of Solomon2:10–13;8:6–7(Manywaterscannotquenchlove)
Tobit8:5b–8(NewEnglishBible)(ThatsheandI maygrowoldtogether)
1Corinthians13:1–13(Loveispatientand kind)
Ephesians3:14–19(TheFatherfromwhomeveryfamilyis named)
Ephesians5:1–2(Walkinlove,asChristlovedus)
Colossians3:12–17(Lovewhichbindseverythingtogetherinharmony)
1 John4:7–16(Let usloveoneanother,forloveis ofGod)
BetweentheReadings,apsalm,hymn,oranthemmaybesungorsaid.AppropriatepsalmsarePsalm67, Psalm127,and
Psalm128.
WhenapassagefromtheGospelis tobe read,allstand,andtheDeaconorMinisterappointedsays
The HolyGospel of ourLordJesusChristaccordingto .
People Glorytoyou, LordChrist.
Matthew5:1–10(TheBeatitudes)
Matthew5:13–16(Youarethelight... Letyourlightsoshine)
Matthew7:21,24–29(Likeawisemanwhobuilthishouseupontherock)
John15:9–12(LoveoneanotherasI havelovedyou)
AftertheGospel,theReadersays
The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praisetoyou, LordChrist.
Ahomilyorotherresponseto theReadingsmayfollow.
TheMarriage
Eachmemberofthecouple,inturn,takesthehandofthe otherandsays
Inthe Name of God, I,N., take you, N., tobe mywife/husband/spouse, tohave andtoholdfrom thisdayforward,
forbetterfor worse, forricherforpoorer,
in sicknessandinhealth, tolove andto cherish,
untilwe are partedby death.
Thisismysolemnvow.
ThePriestmayaskGod’sblessingon ringsasfollows
Bless,OLord, theserings tobe signsof the vows
bywhichN.andN.have boundthemselvestoeachother;
throughJesusChrist ourLord. Amen.
Thegiverplacestheringontheringfingeroftheother’shandandsays
N., Igive you thisringasasymbol of myvow,
andwithallthat Iam, andall that Ihave, Ihonoryou,
inthe Name of the Father,andof theSon,
andof theHolySpirit [orinthe Name of God].
ThentheCelebrantjoinstherighthandsofthecoupleandsays
NowthatN. andN.have giventhemselvestoeachotherbysolemnvows, withthe joiningof handsandthegivingandreceivingof rings,
Ipronounce that theyarewedto one another,
inthe Name of the Father,andof theSon, andof the HolySpirit.
Those whom Godhasjoinedtogetherletno one putasunder.
People Amen.
ThePrayers
Allstanding,theCelebrantsays
Let uspraytogetherinthe wordsourSaviortaughtus.
PeopleandCelebrant
OurFather, whoart inheaven, OurFatherinheaven, hallowedbe thyName, hallowedbe yourName, thykingdom come, yourkingdom come,
thywill bedone, yourwill be done,
onearthasit isinheaven. onearthasinheaven.
Give usthisdayourdailybread. Give ustodayourdailybread. Andforgive usourtrespasses, Forgiveusoursins
aswe forgivethose aswe forgivethose
whotrespassagainst us. whosinagainst us.
Andleadusnot intotemptation, Saveusfrom the time of trial,
butdeliverusfrom evil. anddeliverusfrom evil.
Forthineisthekingdom, Forthe kingdom, the power, andthe power, andtheglory, andthe gloryareyours foreverandever.Amen. nowandforever. Amen.
If Communionis tofollow,theLord’sPrayermaybeomittedhere.
TheDeaconorotherpersonappointedreadsthefollowingprayers,towhichthePeoplerespond,saying,Amen. IfthereisnottobeaCommunion,oneor moreoftheprayersmaybeomitted.
Leader Let uspray.
Eternal God, creatorandpreserverof all life, author of salvation, andgiverof all grace:Look withfavoruponthe worldyou have made, andfor whichyourSongavehislife,and especiallyuponN. and N.whom you make one fleshinHolyMatrimony. Amen.
Give them wisdom anddevotioninthe ordering of theircommonlife, that eachmaybe to
theotherastrengthinneed, a counselorinperplexity, a comfort insorrow, anda companion injoy. Amen.
Grant that theirwills maybe soknittogetherinyourwill, andtheirspiritsinyourSpirit,that theymaygrowinlove andpeace withyou andone anotherall the days of theirlife.Amen.
Give them grace, whentheyhurt eachother, torecognize andacknowledge theirfault, and toseek eachother’sforgivenessandyours. Amen.
Make theirlife togetherasignof Christ’slove tothissinful andbrokenworld, that unitymay overcome estrangement,forgivenessheal guilt, andjoy conquer despair. Amen.
Bestow onthem, if itisyourwill, the gift andheritage of children, andthe grace tobring them up toknowyou, tolove you, andtoserve you.Amen.
Give them suchfulfillmentof theirmutual affectionthat theymay reach out inlove and concernforothers. Amen.
Grant that all marriedpersonswhohave witnessedthese vowsmayfindtheirlives strengthenedandtheirloyaltiesconfirmed. Amen.
Grant that the bondsof our commonhumanity, bywhichallyourchildrenareunitedone to another, andthe livingtothe dead, maybesotransformedbyyourgrace, that yourwill may be done onearthasit isinheaven; where,OFather,withyourSonandthe HolySpirit,you live andreigninperfect unity, nowandforever. Amen.
TheBlessingof theMarriage
ThePeopleremainstanding.Thecouplekneel,andthePriestsaysoneofthefollowingprayers
MostgraciousGod, we give you thanksforyourtenderlove in sendingJesus Christ tocome amongus, tobe bornof ahumanmother, andto make the wayof thecrosstobe the wayof life. We thankyou, also, for consecratingthe unionof twopeople inhisName.Bythe power of yourHolySpirit, pourout the abundance of yourblessingupon N. andN.Defendthem from everyenemy. Leadthem intoall peace. Let theirlove foreachotherbe aseal upontheir hearts, a mantle about theirshoulders, andacrownupontheirforeheads. Blessthem intheir workandintheircompanionship; intheir sleepingandintheirwaking; intheirjoysandin
theirsorrows; intheirlifeandintheir death. Finally,inyourmercy, bringthemtothat table where yoursaintsfeast foreverinyourheavenlyhome; through JesusChristourLord, who withyou andthe HolySpirit livesand reigns, one God, foreverandever. Amen.
orthis
OGod, youhave soconsecratedthecovenant of marriage that init isrepresentedthe spiritual unitybetweenChrist andhis Church: Sendtherefore yourblessing upontheseyour servants, that theymaysolove, honor, andcherisheachotherinfaithfulnessandpatience, in
wisdom andtruegodliness, that theirhome maybea havenof blessingandpeace; through JesusChrist ourLord, wholivesand reignswithyouandthe HolySpirit, one God, nowand forever. Amen.
Thecouplestill kneeling,thePriestaddsthisblessing
Godthe Father, Godthe Son, GodtheHolySpirit, bless, preserve, andkeep you; the Lord mercifullywithhisfavorlookuponyou, andfill youwithall spiritual benedictionandgrace; that you mayfaithfullylivetogetherinthislife, andinthe age tocome have life everlasting. Amen.
ThePeace
TheCelebrantmaysaytothePeople
The peace of the Lordbealwayswithyou.
People Andalso withyou.
Thenewlymarriedcouplethengreeteachother,afterwhichgreetingsmaybe exchangedthroughoutthecongregation.
WhenCommunionisnottofollow,theweddingpartyleavesthechurch.A hymn,psalm,oranthemmaybesung,or instrumentalmusicmaybeplayed.
At the Eucharist
TheliturgycontinueswiththeOffertory,atwhichthenewlymarriedcouplemaypresenttheofferingsofbreadand wine.
Preface oftheSeason
AttheCommunion,itis appropriatethatthenewlymarriedcouplereceiveCommunionfirst,aftertheministers. Inplaceoftheusualpostcommunionprayer,thefollowingis said
OGod, thegiverof all thatistrue andlovelyandgracious: We giveyou thanksforbindingustogether
inthese holymysteriesofthe BodyandBlood of yourSonJesusChrist.
Grant that byyourHolySpirit,
N. andN., nowjoinedinHoly Matrimony,
maybecome one inheartandsoul, live infidelityandpeace,
andobtainthose eternaljoyspreparedforall wholove you;
forthe sake of JesusChrist ourLord.Amen.
Astheweddingpartyleavesthechurch,ahymn,psalm,oranthemmaybesung,orinstrumentalmusicmaybeplayed.
a.TheBlessingofa Civil Marriage
TheritebeginsasprescribedforcelebrationsoftheHolyEucharist,usingtheCollectand LessonsappointedintheMarriage service.
AftertheGospel(andhomily),thecouplestandbeforethe Celebrant,whoaddressesthemintheseorsimilarwords
N.andN., you havecomehere todaytoseekthe blessingof Godandof hisChurchuponyour marriage. Irequire, therefore, that you promise, withthe helpof God, tofulfillthe
obligationswhichChristian Marriage demands.
TheCelebrantthenaddressesonememberofthecouple,thentheother,saying
N., you have takenN.tobe yourwife/husband/spouse. Doyou promise toloveher/him, comfort her/him, honorandkeepher/him, insicknessandinhealth,and, forsakingall others, tobe faithful to her/himaslongasyou bothshall live?
Answer Ido.
TheCelebrantthenaddressesthecongregation,saying
Will you whohave witnessedthese promisesdoall inyourpowerto upholdthese two personsintheir marriage?
People We will.
If ringsaretobeblessed,themembersofthecoupleextendtheirhandstowardthePriest[orBishop],whosays
Bless,OLord, theserings tobe signsof the vowsby which N.andN.have boundthemselves toeachother; throughJesusChrist ourLord.Amen.
TheCelebrantjoinstherighthandsofthecoupleandsays
Those whom Godhasjoinedtogetherletno one putasunder.
People Amen.
TheservicecontinueswithThePrayersonpage104.