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We have come together at the invitation of ___________
to celebrate the uniting in Christian love--their
lives and hearts. This is possible because of the love
God has created in them, through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, "I
am come that they might have life and that they might
have it more abundantly." This abundant life, for many
people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us all
to have this abundant life and proved His love for us
by giving His Son that we might have this life.
Another way
that God provides for this "full" life is creating
those who will love us. ___________ such a one in
___________ Their hearts and spirit were drawn
together before today by the Lord of all creation. Two
lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the
power, love and grace of God.
___________
and ___________are here to publicly declare that
because of Jesus Christ's love; they too can truly
love one another. As God demonstrated His love in
Jesus, our Lord ___________ and ___________ will
demonstrate this God given love by giving themselves
to one another and one for the other.
They have not
reached this place alone, each has been given life by
their parents. These who gave to them life, love,
provision, are and will be, a vital part in their
continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in
__________ and ___________ Love and respect for these
will continue as they grow in their love made possible
by their parents.
Questions
Pastor -- Who
then has prepared this woman for marriage to this man?
( or "Who giveth this woman to be married to this
man?")
Father of
Bride -- "Her family and I have prepared her for
marriage." ( or Father or Bride's escort replies, "Her
family and I do." )
Pastor -- I
sometimes counsel with the couple and ask them to
write what they wish to say in their vows one to
another, expressing their love and commitment to each
other. They learn this and I allow them to express it
without too much if any prompting. One service I had,
the girl did not remember what she wanted to say so
she blurted out "Jim, I have forgotten what I wanted
to say to you - I'm afraid - but I do love you deeply
- with my whole heart!" - the wedding service was
successful!
Ring Vows
Pastor to
Bride -- A ring is more than a symbol of your
marriage. It is a seal of the vow you have given to
one another! The circle of the ring is, as far as
human eye can see, a perfect circle--with no beginning
or end--so God too has perfect love for you and wants
you to love one another in His grace--never, never
ending. This ring is made of precious metal. You also
are precious in God's sight and now in the love of
(groom) ___________. When you are absent one from
another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be
faithful to and to fulfill your vow to (groom)
___________.
Rings have
historically been the sign of authority--used to seal
documents and proclamations, you now accept this
authority in your life. (See memo sheet for sealing
statement.)
Pastor to
Groom -- This ring is a seal of ____________'s vow to
you. She presents this to you as a token of her
submission to you in Jesus Christ. This is a symbol of
leadership and privilege. God has placed you as the
head of the family. You must lead in worship, works
and fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon
you for strength.
Charge the
couple to respond to the Scripture of 1 Peter 3 and
Ephesians 5.
Pastor to
Groom -- __________, are you now prepared to love
(Bride)___________ as Christ loved the church, are you
willing to love, cherish, provide, protect her, in
sickness and sorrow--joyfully, etc. according to the
Word of God will you cherish and love her as your wife
until death separates you? (Answer "I will).
Pastor to
Bride -- ___________, are you prepared to be subject
to (Groom) ___________ as described in the Word of
God? As your husband will you respect him, love him,
etc. (Answer, "I will").
Prayer
Perhaps ask
the best man to pray for the Groom and Maid of Honor
to pray for the Bride.
Pastor closes
in prayer
Pronouncement
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