Blessing Through Marriage
Worship
18 SPECIAL WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS
Worship Services For Congregational Use
Anniversary Of Marriage Service
Hymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
Pastor: Jesus celebrated marriage at the wedding feast of Cana. Men and women for centuries have been blessed through this union of two in one. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that ''Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to the one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.''
The blessing of marriage is that we are united to another to walk this life by faith. With Christ as our third party, all things are possible. We remember today that bond recognized in marriage between __________ (name) and __________ (name) on __________ (date of wedding) as they celebrate their __________ (number of years together) anniversary. We
celebrate the word proclaimed in love and recall the blessing of that special day they were wed. Hear from 1 Corinthians 13 concerning love.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1--13
Pastor: The gift of love is a blessing. This passage is often read at wedding ceremonies along with the passage on love from Ruth. Ruth here declares her love for her mother--in--law, a love that goes beyond the physical, and a love which we all desire to incorporate in our lives.
Reading: Ruth 1:16--17
Special Music
Pastor: Let us rise. As we celebrate the anniversary of ____________________ (name), let us pray to the God of love who has blessed us with their union. Let us pray:
Loving God, you have blessed men and women for centuries in marriage. Your grace poured out for the daily living of our marriage vows has helped us in the rough times. Your joy infused into our spirits has enabled us to touch each other and our families in many special ways. For this we give you thanks.
Today we are especially thankful for the lives of __________ (name) and __________ (name). Continue to bless them as they celebrate their __________ (year) anniversary of marriage. Incline their hearts to be tender toward one another. Give them understanding and patience as they continue their journey through life. Encourage them to be faithful companions who desire to walk only with each other and hand in hand with you. Grant them health and strength in the days ahead. Be their companion and guide. Fill them with your love and increase that love they share for each other until they sit with you in
heaven and celebrate the final marriage feast on high. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray,
C: Amen.
Prayers For The Couple And Family
(Those assembled may be invited to offer petitions and thanksgivings. Prayers conclude with the Lord's Prayer.)
The Lord's Prayer
Blessing Benediction
Pastor: May Jesus Christ who has blessed us in this life, continue to bring joy to our marriages and to us as his children. Women, may you present yourselves before your bridegroom, Jesus Christ, pure and spotless in your wedding gown of faith. Men, may you honor your brides as Christ honors the church. And may the blessing of the Lord be upon us as we go forth celebrating life and Christ Jesus our Lord.
C: Amen.
Hymn: ''Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee''
Hymn: ''Blest Be The Tie That Binds''
Pastor: Jesus celebrated marriage at the wedding feast of Cana. Men and women for centuries have been blessed through this union of two in one. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us that ''Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to the one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.''
The blessing of marriage is that we are united to another to walk this life by faith. With Christ as our third party, all things are possible. We remember today that bond recognized in marriage between __________ (name) and __________ (name) on __________ (date of wedding) as they celebrate their __________ (number of years together) anniversary. We
celebrate the word proclaimed in love and recall the blessing of that special day they were wed. Hear from 1 Corinthians 13 concerning love.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1--13
Pastor: The gift of love is a blessing. This passage is often read at wedding ceremonies along with the passage on love from Ruth. Ruth here declares her love for her mother--in--law, a love that goes beyond the physical, and a love which we all desire to incorporate in our lives.
Reading: Ruth 1:16--17
Special Music
Pastor: Let us rise. As we celebrate the anniversary of ____________________ (name), let us pray to the God of love who has blessed us with their union. Let us pray:
Loving God, you have blessed men and women for centuries in marriage. Your grace poured out for the daily living of our marriage vows has helped us in the rough times. Your joy infused into our spirits has enabled us to touch each other and our families in many special ways. For this we give you thanks.
Today we are especially thankful for the lives of __________ (name) and __________ (name). Continue to bless them as they celebrate their __________ (year) anniversary of marriage. Incline their hearts to be tender toward one another. Give them understanding and patience as they continue their journey through life. Encourage them to be faithful companions who desire to walk only with each other and hand in hand with you. Grant them health and strength in the days ahead. Be their companion and guide. Fill them with your love and increase that love they share for each other until they sit with you in
heaven and celebrate the final marriage feast on high. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray,
C: Amen.
Prayers For The Couple And Family
(Those assembled may be invited to offer petitions and thanksgivings. Prayers conclude with the Lord's Prayer.)
The Lord's Prayer
Blessing Benediction
Pastor: May Jesus Christ who has blessed us in this life, continue to bring joy to our marriages and to us as his children. Women, may you present yourselves before your bridegroom, Jesus Christ, pure and spotless in your wedding gown of faith. Men, may you honor your brides as Christ honors the church. And may the blessing of the Lord be upon us as we go forth celebrating life and Christ Jesus our Lord.
C: Amen.
Hymn: ''Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee''
