Christian wedding prayers & blessings

It's interesting:
"For those of you who are attending their first Jewish wedding, there may be some customs you're unfamiliar with. Like when Paul stepped on the glass at the end ..."

Most Christian prayers and blessings are inspired by the Holy Bible, and wedding themed prayers and blessings are no different. The Bible is full of inspirational anecdotes and verses on marriage that can be altered into wedding blessings for an engaged or newly married couple. Often recited during the wedding ceremony, prayers and blessings may also be said at the rehearsal dinner, or during the wedding reception.

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

   • Even in non-church weddings, the poignant words in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 are recited. Paul, the author of this letter to the church at Corinth, states: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." This sacred text can be used as a prayer during a Christian wedding.

   Opening Wedding Prayers

   • Opening your Christian wedding with a prayer is a good way to acknowledge your relationship with Christ and your status as a Christian couple. An example of an opening prayer is:

     Dear Father God,

     Thank you for all you have done for (couple's names) today and thank you for every day that has led them to this joyous occasion. You have blessed this couple with the gift of marriage and with a special love. Shine on them today, as they take their vows and enter into the blessed covenant of marriage.

     In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

   Closing Wedding Prayer

   • The idea of a closing wedding prayer is to acknowledge the covenant that has already been made, and pray for its strength and longevity. An example of a closing wedding prayer is:

     Heavenly Father,

     We thank you in advance for surrounding (couple's names) with your love, comfort, joy and peace. We expect that you will keep their marriage strong and that you will shine on them all the days of their lives. Thank you for keeping them faithful to you and to one another.

     In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

   Bride and Groom Blessing

   • Blessing the bride and groom can be done by any well-meaning wedding guest, however, the parents or grandparents will usually do this type of blessing over their newly married children. Here is an example of a Christian wedding blessing:

     Father God, by the authority that you have given me as a believer in you and your son, Jesus Christ, I bless (couple's names). I pour out your Spirit this moment, and I pray that you would speak to me and through me as I bless this new couple.

     You put this couple together with your divine skill. You allowed them to marry and you have a great plan for their future. Begin to touch their hearts so that they may know the exact path to follow. May they always be on one accord. I pray this husband always honor and adore his wife, preferring her above all others. I pray this new wife would respect and love her husband always.

     Give them both an extra portion of your grace to deal with some of the disappointments life may throw their way. Most importantly, keep them close to you. You word says that you will never leave us or forsake us. Help them to turn to you first, and then to each other. We ask all of these things in Christ's name. Amen.

Source: www.ehow.com

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