The Blessing of a Civil Marriage may also be used with a minor adjustment as a Renewal of Marriage Vows. Remember that flexibility is always a possibility.

 BLESSING OF A CIVIL MARRIAGE
The Scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of God's grace, a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh in Christ. It is God's purpose that, as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love, they shall be united in that love by which Christ is united with His Church.

The union of husband and wife in body, mind and spirit, is intended by God for their mutual joy and fulfillment; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.

In marriage, husband and wife give themselves to one another, and they begin a new life together in the community. It is a way of life that all should reverence; and therefore it must not be, entered into carelessly, selfishly, or wantonly, but responsibly, honestly, and after serious thought and prayer.

Into this Holy Union ________ and _________ have now been joined. We pray with them, that, strengthened and guided by God's Holy Spirit, they may grow in mutual fulfillment and bear faithful witness to the sanctity of marriage and family life.

HUSBAND:     I cannot promise you, a life of sunshine,
I cannot promise riches wealth or gold,
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change, or growing old

WIFE:              But I can promise all my heart's devotion,
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow,
A love that's ever true and ever growing,
                        A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

BOTH:            Two loving arms to shelter and protect you
The knowledge that I need you, more than ever,
And all the happiness that love can give you
As hand in hand, we walk through life together.

MINISTER:     O God of love, we pray that you look upon _________ and __________. Unite them evermore in your love.  Keep them faithful to the vows they have made, one to the other. Strengthen them with every good gift, and let your peace be with them, now and always. AMEN.

BLESSING OF THE RINGS
Bless O Lord, these rings, that they may be symbols to __________and __________ of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vows which they have made this day. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Canon De Vere Murrell - St. Matthias Anglican Church