A wedding is a joyous occasion, and for many, it is also a sacred one. For those who wish to incorporate prayer into their wedding ceremony, there are many options to choose from. Whether the couple is religious or secular, there are a variety of wedding prayers and blessings that can be used to honour their faith and add a spiritual element to their big day.
Prayers can be recited by the bride and groom themselves or said by an officiant during the exchange of vows. They can also be given by a family member or guest of honour. These prayers can be used to ask for a blessing from the Lord, to reflect on the couple's love for each other, or to offer thanks and gratitude for the joy that the day brings.
Some couples may opt for traditional prayers like The Lord's Prayer or a Celtic wedding blessing, while others may prefer to create their own. There are also specific prayers for different moments within the ceremony, such as an opening prayer or a blessing for peace.
Whatever the couple chooses, incorporating prayer into their wedding ceremony can be a meaningful way to connect their union to something spiritual and honour their faith.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Wedding prayer | A way to honour your faith and connect your ceremony to something spiritual |
Wedding blessing | Not reserved for traditional religious or Christian weddings |
Wedding vows | "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Matthew 19:6) |
Wedding officiant | Can be religious or secular |
Wedding reception | "As we gather here to celebrate the sacred bond of marriage, we thank you for the love that has brought us together." |
What You'll Learn
Praying for the couple's unity and protection
Praying for a couple's unity and protection is a beautiful way to honour their special day and ask for God's blessing on their marriage. Here are four paragraphs with specific themes and intentions to pray for the couple's unity and protection:
Prayer for Unity in Christ
"Lord, as this couple stands before You on their wedding day, we pray that their hearts will be united as one in You. May their desire be to make You the centre of their marriage and their lives together. Help them to see their union as more than just the bonding of two lives, but as a mission for You, Lord. May their loyalty to each other mirror Your own love and faithfulness. Let them know that two are better than one, and that You are the third strand in their marriage tie. Unite their hearts, minds, and spirits, and protect their relationship from any attacks or dangers. In Jesus' name, Amen.""
Prayer for a Strong Foundation
"Heavenly Father, we pray that this couple will build their marriage on the solid foundation of Your love. May their love for each other be patient, kind, and unselfish, always protecting and persevering. Help them to be slow to anger and quick to forgive, reflecting Your nature. Guide them to communicate with kindness and gentleness, removing any bitterness or resentment. May their marriage be a safe place where hurts are healed, emotions are shared honestly, and grace abounds. Fill their home with laughter and joy, and let their love shine as a beacon of Your hope and light. Amen."
Prayer for Protection and Blessing
"Sovereign Lord, we pray for Your protection and blessing over this couple as they begin their married life together. May Your light surround them and Your love enfold them. Protect them from all harm and danger, and watch over their every step. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. May they find refuge in You, their Rock and Fortress, in both joyful and difficult times. Let no one or nothing separate what You have joined together. Amen."
Prayer for Unity in Purpose
"Gracious God, we pray that this couple will be united in their purpose and journey through life. May they support, encourage, and serve each other, reflecting Your sacrificial love. Guide them to work together in harmony, always considering the other more highly. Help them to honour and respect each other, living together in understanding and peace. May their love grow deeper and stronger with each passing year. Bless them with unity of spirit, heart, and mind, and protect their marriage from division. In Jesus' name, Amen."
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Asking for God's blessing on their marriage
A wedding is a joyous occasion and a time to celebrate the union of two people in marriage. Asking for God's blessing is an important part of the ceremony for many couples, and it can be a way to honour their faith and connect their special day to something spiritual. Here are some suggestions for wedding prayers that ask for God's blessing:
A Wedding Prayer for the Bride and Groom
"As this couple begins their lives together on their wedding day, I pray that their hearts will unite as one with You in their desire to make You the centre. May this day be the start of something beautiful, a celebration unlike any other...May their love—like the wedding rings they will wear—be a circle that never ends. Grow that love relationship into one that is patient and kind, not boastful or proud. Nurture in them a relationship that is unselfish and trusting, and a love that protects and perseveres through every season of life...In every way possible, make the house they build together a godly home—a place where hurts are healed with grace, a place where hearts are sealed with forgiveness, and a place where emotions feel safe when shared with honesty and gentleness. Keep their communication open—with You, and with each other as they make prayer a constant priority... Lord, today and every day, let laughter echo in the halls of their hearts and home; let joy fill every room; and let the radiance of Your face shine on them, bless them, and give them a gracious peace that passes all understanding."
Wedding Prayer God of Loving Devotion
"God of loving devotion, may this couple be filled with love for each other that reflects your love for them. Your love always trusts, may they always trust each other. Your love always hopes, may they always be filled with the hope that is found in you. Your love always perseveres, may their love for each other endure through the difficulties of life. Your love never fails, may their love remain strong until the end. Fill them with your love, that they may love each other in the same way. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen."
Wedding Opening Prayer
"Thank you, dear God, for marriage and all the joy, love, and happiness that it brings us. You are our God, and we appreciate you bringing together this beautiful couple on this special day...Through our prayer, may this couple receive your rich blessings as they exchange their vows and wedding rings, and may they walk hand in hand from this day forward into everything that they have been destined to achieve. Having offered ourselves to you now in adoration, we welcome your Holy Spirit among us. Amen."
Wedding Blessings Prayer
"May God’s light shine today upon you two, and may you live your new lives in God’s presence...Let the Holy Spirit fill you with love and joy as the blessed sunshine shines like a fire on you both. May you let the love you two have for each other shine from your eyes like the candle in a window, beckoning a wanderer through the storm. Let the rain beat on your Spirit and wash it clean, and may it leave there a shining pool where the light of Heaven shines. May you be blessed by the Earth, may it be soft under your feet as you pass along the roads together, may it be gentle under you when you lie out on it at the end of a day, and may it rest easy over you when you lie out beneath it...Blessings and peace to you both in your journey. Amen."
Prayer for Lifetime of Faithfulness
"Father God, you are the Author and Perfector of our faith. May this man and woman fix their eyes on you throughout their marriage. May they celebrate your mercies that are renewed every day and know how great your faithfulness is toward them. May they proclaim your love every morning and your unfailing promises to them every night. May their love for one another stand firm forever and may no one or no thing ever come between them. May they honour and respect their covenant of marriage to each other all the years of their lives. Amen."
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Praying for their love to reflect God's love
Dear Lord, as this couple begins their lives together on their wedding day, we pray that their hearts will unite as one with You, desiring to make You the center. May their love for each other reflect Your perfect, endless, and selfless love for us. May their loyalty in marriage mirror Your own love and faithfulness. Help them to love, honour, and cherish each other, just as You love us. Let them be slow to anger and rich in love with each other. May they be quick to forgive each other, as they have been forgiven by You. Protect their relationship from attacks and dangers, and fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding.
Lord, we pray that their love will endure through the difficulties of life. May their love be like a circle that never ends, a blazing fire that cannot be stopped. Help them to love each other with a selfless and sacrificial love, always putting each other first. May their love grow and mature over the years, and may it be a source of light and joy to all around them.
We pray that their marriage will be a lighthouse of refuge, a welcome place of encouragement, and a testimony to Your power and grace. May their home be a godly one, a place where hurts are healed with grace, where hearts are sealed with forgiveness, and where emotions are shared with honesty and gentleness. Fill their hearts and home with laughter, joy, and Your radiant peace.
Lord, we thank You for this couple and their love for each other. We ask that You guide them, protect them, and fill them with Your wisdom, strength, and grace. May their love always reflect Your unending and unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Seeking God's guidance and wisdom for the couple
Dear Lord, as [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] embark on this new chapter of their lives together, we humbly ask that You guide them and grant them Your wisdom. May their love for each other reflect Your infinite love, and may their marriage be a testament to Your grace and power.
Lord, we pray that You bless this couple with discernment and wisdom as they navigate the joys and challenges of married life. Help them to make choices that honour You and bring them closer to each other and to You. May their love be a beacon of Your light in this world.
We pray that You grant them patience, understanding, and kindness towards each other. May their communication be open and honest, their conflicts few, and their forgiveness of one another swift. Help them to speak words of encouragement and build each other up, always being considerate of each other's needs.
Lord, we ask that You give them strength and endurance to face life's trials together. May their unity be an unbreakable cord, firmly bound together with You at its centre. Protect them from harm and fill their hearts with courage and peace, knowing that You are always with them.
We pray that You lead them in Your ways and grant them the wisdom to follow Your divine will. May their marriage be a reflection of Your perfect love and a source of comfort and encouragement to those around them. Fill their hearts with gratitude for each other and for the gift of Your unfailing love. Amen.
Prayer for God's Presence and Direction
Heavenly Father, we come before You today, seeking Your presence and direction for [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] as they begin their journey as husband and wife. We pray that You would be at the centre of their marriage, guiding their every step and filling their hearts with Your love.
Lord, we ask that You give them wisdom and discernment as they navigate the joys and challenges of married life. May their love for each other reflect Your perfect love and bring glory to Your name. Help them to seek first Your kingdom and trust in Your provision and care.
We pray that You grant them patience, understanding, and a spirit of unity. May their communication be open and honest, and may they extend grace and forgiveness to each other. Help them to speak words of encouragement and build each other up, always being united in love.
Lord, we also pray for protection over their marriage. Shield them from any harm or danger, and fill their hearts with courage and peace. May their unity be an unbreakable cord, firmly bound together with You at its centre.
We pray that You lead them in Your ways and grant them the wisdom to follow Your divine will. May their marriage be a reflection of Christ's love for the Church and a source of comfort and hope to those around them. Fill their hearts with gratitude and joy as they embark on this new chapter together. Amen.
Prayer for God's Blessing and Direction
Gracious God, we lift up [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] to You on this special day as they exchange their wedding vows. We pray that You would richly bless their marriage and fill their hearts with Your love, joy, and peace.
Lord, we ask that You guide this couple in the ways that are pleasing to You. May their love for each other reflect Your perfect love and bring glory to Your name. Help them to seek first Your kingdom and trust in Your provision and care.
We pray that You grant them wisdom, patience, and understanding as they navigate married life together. May their communication be open and honest, and may they extend grace and forgiveness to each other. Help them to speak words of encouragement and build each other up, always being united in love.
Lord, we also pray for protection and safety over their marriage. Shield them from any harm or danger, and fill their hearts with courage and peace. May their unity be a testament to Your power and a light in this world.
We pray that You lead them in the paths of righteousness and grant them wisdom to follow Your will. May their marriage be a reflection of Christ's love and a source of comfort and hope to those around them. Fill their hearts with gratitude and joy as they embark on this new journey together. Amen.
Prayer for God's Love, Joy, and Peace
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage and the love that [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] share. As they stand before You today, we pray that You would fill their hearts with Your love, joy, and peace.
Lord, we ask that You guide this couple in the ways that honour You. May their marriage be built on a foundation of trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Help them to seek You first and to trust in Your plan for their lives.
We pray that You grant them wisdom, patience, and kindness towards each other. May their communication be open and honest, and may they extend grace and forgiveness freely. Fill their hearts with a spirit of unity and oneness, always seeking to serve each other selflessly.
Lord, we also pray for protection and blessing over their marriage. Surround them with Your peace and shield them from any harm. May their love for each other grow stronger each day, rooted firmly in Your love.
We pray that You lead them in the paths of righteousness and grant them wisdom to follow Your will. May their marriage be a shining example of Your love and a source of hope and encouragement to those around them. Fill their hearts with gratitude and joy as they embark on this new adventure together. Amen.
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Expressing gratitude for the couple's union
Dear Lord, we are so grateful for this day and for bringing [bride's name] and [groom's name] together in marriage. We thank you for the love, joy, and happiness that their union brings. We are thankful for the providence that has led to this beautiful union. We pray that you bless their marriage and fill their hearts with gratitude.
Gracious God, we are filled with great happiness as we witness the union of [bride's name] and [groom's name]. We thank you for this place and for the love that unites this couple. We are grateful for the peace and hope that we feel today and for all the blessings in our lives. We are thankful for the miracles and blessings that you have bestowed upon us.
Lord, we pray that as [bride's name] and [groom's name] embark on their married life, their love for each other will only grow stronger, and their awareness of your great love for them will deepen. We ask that you guide and protect them as they start to build their life together. We pray that their home will be a place of love, harmony, and peace, always illuminated by your grace and presence.
We are thankful for the friendship and companionship that [bride's name] and [groom's name] have found in each other, reflecting the perfect match and wonderful friendship that you intend for married couples. We pray that their marriage will be a source of strength and comfort to one another and that their love will endure through life's challenges and joys.
Lord, we pray that their marriage will be a lighthouse of refuge, a welcome place of encouragement, and a shining testament to your power and grace. May their love for each other and for you grow deeper each day. We ask that you fill their hearts with unceasing gratitude and that their marriage will bring you glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the bride and groom can pray together before the wedding. In fact, it is encouraged for them to do so as a way to seek long-term success and divine blessing for their marriage.
There are many beautiful prayers that the couple can recite together. Here is one example:
"Dear God, as we prepare to unite our lives in marriage, we ask for Your blessing. May our love for each other reflect Your love for us. Fill our hearts with joy, peace, and gratitude as we embark on this new chapter of our lives together. Amen."
Praying together before the wedding can help the couple establish a strong spiritual foundation for their marriage. It allows them to invite God into their union and seek His guidance and blessing. Praying together can also help the couple connect on a deeper level and strengthen their bond even before they exchange their vows.
The couple may want to pray for a variety of things, such as patience, kindness, forgiveness, and understanding in their marriage. They can also pray for their families, friends, and the guests who will be attending the wedding. Additionally, they may want to pray for clear minds and calm hearts as they navigate the stresses and joys of wedding planning.