Prayer
Quite simply, prayer is a conversation with God.
Christians believe that God listens to and acts on our prayers, and also communicates with us when we pray. Christians believe prayer is powerful enough to change us and our world for the better.
When supporting you in something as important as marriage, your church will want to pray for you before, during and after your wedding.
Before your wedding, you will most likely have your banns read in your church. On these occasions, the whole church will pray for your forthcoming marriage and many couples not only like to be present to hear this, but also take part. It can be a moving and special occasion.
On your wedding day, your service will certainly include prayers. Your Vicar will be very happy to help you develop prayers that have special and personal meaning for you and your family, as well as using traditional prayers for marriage. It is possible for one of your guests to read prayers during the service. If this is something you would like to happen at your wedding, talk to your Vicar about how it could be incorporated.
Knowing that there were people supporting us in both prayer and thought provided support and comfort in what was both a happy and sad time.
Karen Vitelli, married in Ross-on-Wye shortly after her mother died. After your wedding day, your church will continue to pray for you, particularly if you ask them to.
Prayers at the Calling of the Banns
These are examples of the prayers that may be used when your banns are called. The Vicar may also use other wording.
Lord,
the source of all true love,
we pray for (your names).
Grant to them
joy of heart,
seriousness of mind
and reverence of spirit,
that as they enter into the oneness of marriage
they may be strengthened and guided by you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Lord of love,
we pray for (bride’s name) and (groom’s name).
Be with them in all their preparations
and on their wedding day.
Give them your love in their hearts
throughout their married life together,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.