APPENDIX 6:
THE BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE

One of the following forms may be used.

1

Almighty God our heavenly Father
we lift up our hearts to you
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through him you have made a covenant of grace with your people:
by the outpouring of your Holy Spirit.

We praise you for the gift of marriage
in which the love of husband and wife is brought together
and reflects (? reveals) your plan of love for the world.

We thank you today for N and N,
and for leading them to each other
in friendship and love, commitment and trust,
and for bringing them here for the blessing of their marriage.

Living God,
by the presence of your Holy Spirit,
may they know the risen Christ to be with them now,
as they celebrate this covenant together.
May their lives be a witness to your saving love
in this troubled world.

As you pour out your love.
may they grow together in your sight,
and each be to the other
a companion in joy, a comfort in sorrow and a strength in need.

As you blessed the earthly home at Nazareth
with the presence of your Son,
may their home be a place of security and peace.
(Bless this couple with the gift and care of children,
that they may grow up to know and love you in your Son.)

And bring us all at the last
to that great marriage banquet of your Son
in our home in heaven,
with all your saints and angels,
in the glory of your presence.

And for ever praise you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2

Eternal God,
you create us out of love
that we should love one another.
Bless this man and this woman, made in your image,
who today become a sign of your faithful love to us
in Christ our Lord, Amen.

By your Holy Spirit,
fill bride and bridegroom with wisdom and hope
that they may delight in your gift of marriage
and enrich one another in love and faithfulness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bring them to that table
where your saints celebrate for ever 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.

3

Minister 1: Blessed are you, Lord our God,
God of love, Creator of all.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Briclegroom: Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make us in your image and likeness.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Bride: Blessed are you. Lord our God
you make man and woman to reflect your glory.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Bridegroom: Blessed are you, Lord our God
you make us for joy and promise us life.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Bride: Blessed are you, Lord our God.
you create a people to know your love.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Voice A:
(or
Minister 2)
May, N and N enjoy the blessing of your kingdom.
Give them faith and joy in their marriage.
Blessed are you. Lord our God,
you give joy to bride and groom.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Voice B:
(or
Minister 1)
May their love be fruitful
and their home a place of peace.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
you make marriage a sign of your love.
All: Blessed be God for ever.
Minister 2: May they know the love of the Father,
the life of the Son,
and the joy of the Spirit.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
Lover, Beloved and Friend of Love.
All: Blessed be God for ever.


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