IRISH NUPTIAL BLESSING

IRISH NUPTIAL BLESSING

Father, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its

name.
You made us.
You made all that exists.
You made man and woman like yourself in their power

to know and love.
You call them to share life with each other, saying

“It is not good for [us] to be alone.”
(You bless them with children to give new life to your people,

telling them, “Increase and multiply, and fill the earth.”)
We call to mind the fruitful companionship of Abraham,

our father in faith, and his wife Sarah.
We remember how your guiding hand brought Rebecca and Isaac

together,
and how through the lives of Jacob and Rachel you prepared

the way for your kingdom.
Father, you take delight in the love of husband and wife, that love

 which hopes and shares, heals and forgives.
We ask you to bless N. and N. as they set out on their new life.

Fill their hearts with your holy Spirit, the Spirit of

understanding, joy, fortitude and peace.
Strengthen them to do your will, and in the trials of life

to bear the cross with Christ.
May they praise you during the bright days, and call on you

in times of trouble.
(May their children bring them your blessing, and give glory

to your name.)
Let their love be strong as death,
a fire that floods cannot drown,
a jewel beyond all price.
May their life together give witness to their faith in Christ.

May they see long and happy days,

and be united forever in the kingdom of your glory.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.