Happy Anniversary

A few weeks ago, the children and I made a quick weekend jaunt to Mobile so that I could attend the wedding of a high school classmate. As I sat through the service, I was reminded of Father Powers words as Frank and I were preparing for our own wedding eight years ago. He was going through the service with us and got to a particular place in the service where he said he would read the "beautiful prayers" associated with the service of marriage. As I've attended many Episcopal weddings since that time, I think about his statement and I agree with his words so I wanted to include them in today's post.



In addition, I want to dwell on them and challenge myself and Frank to remember and live them each day.



Taken from The Book of Common Prayer


Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of
salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the
world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life,
and especially upon this man and this woman whom you
make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.


Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their
common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a
counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion
in joy. Amen.


Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will,
and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love
and peace with you and one another all the days of their life.
Amen.


Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and
acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness
and yours. Amen.


Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful
and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement,
forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Amen.


Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of
children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love
you, and to serve you. Amen.


Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they
may reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.


Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows
may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties
confirmed. Amen.


Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all
your children are united one to another, and the living to the
dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may
be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your
Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity,
now and for ever. Amen.