Download (JSON)The Witnessing and Blessing
of a Lifelong Covenant
Concerning the Service
This rite is appropriately celebrated in the context of the Holy Eucharist and may take place at the principal Sunday Liturgy. This rite then replaces the Ministry of the Word. A bishop or priest normally presides. Parallel texts from Enriching Our Worship 1 are included as options for elements of this rite.
At least one of the couple must be a baptized Christian.
Two or more presenters, who may be friends, parents, family members, or drawn from the local assembly, may present the couple to the presider and the assembly.
As indicated in the opening address, the consent, and the blessing of the rings, the rite may be modified for use with a couple who have previously made a lifelong commitment to one another.
The Word of God
Gathering
The couple to be blessed joins the assembly.
A hymn of praise, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.
The Presider says the following, the People standing
PresiderBlessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PeopleBlessed be God, now and for ever. Amen.
PresiderBlessed be the one, holy, and living God.
PeopleGlory to God for ever and ever.
From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
PresiderAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
PresiderAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleChrist is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Then may be said
PresiderBeloved, let us love one another,
PeopleFor love is of God.
PresiderWhoever does not love does not know God,
PeopleFor God is love.
PresiderSince God so loves us,
PeopleLet us love one another.
The Presider may address the assembly in these words
Dear friends in Christ, [or Dearly beloved], in the name of God and the Church we have come together today with N. N. and N. N., to witness the vows they make, committing themselves to one another. Forsaking all others, they will bind themselves to one another in a covenant of mutual fidelity and steadfast love, remaining true to one another in heart, body, and mind, as long as they both shall live. Such a lifelong commitment is not to be entered into lightly or thoughtlessly, but responsibly and with reverence. Let us pray, then, that God will give them the strength to remain steadfast in what they vow this day. Let us also pray for the generosity to support them in the commitment they undertake, and for the wisdom to see God at work in their life together.
Dear friends in Christ [or Dearly beloved], in the name of God and the Church, we have come together with N. N. and N. N., to witness the sacred vows they make as they solemnize [or reaffirm] their commitment to one another. Today they renew their covenant of mutual fidelity and steadfast love, forsaking all others and remaining true to one another in heart, body, and mind, as long as they both shall live. Let us pray, then, that God will give them the strength to remain steadfast in what they vow this day. Let us also pray for the generosity to support them in the commitment they undertake, and for the wisdom to see God at work in their life together.
The Collect of the Day
PresiderThe Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
PresiderLet us pray.
PresiderGod be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
PresiderLet us pray.
God of abundance: assist by your grace N. and N., whose covenant of love and fidelity we witness this day. Grant them your protection, that with firm resolve they may honor and keep the vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Almighty and everliving God: look tenderly upon N. and N., who stand before you in the company of your Church. Let their life together bring them great joy. Grant them so to love selflessly and live humbly, that they may be to one another and to the world a witness and a sign of your never-failing love and care; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, to the ages of ages. Amen.
O God, faithful and true, whose steadfast love endures for ever: we give you thanks for sustaining N. and N. in the life they share and for bringing them to this day. Nurture them and fill them with joy in their life together, continuing the good work you have begun in them; and grant us, with them, a dwelling place eternal in the heavens where all your people will share the joy of perfect love, and where you, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Holy Trinity, one God, three Persons perfect in unity and equal in majesty: Draw together with bonds of love and affection N. and N., who with their families seek to live in harmony and forbearance all their days, that their joining together will be to us a reflection of that perfect communion which is your very essence and life, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who live and reign in glory everlasting. Amen.
The Lessons
The people sit. Then one or more of the following passages of Scripture is read. If the Holy Communion is to be celebrated, a passage from the Gospels always concludes the Readings. When the blessing is celebrated in the context of the Sunday Eucharist, the Readings of the Sunday are used, except with the permission of the Bishop.
The First Lesson
Ruth 1:16–17
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The First Lesson
1 Samuel 18:1b, 3; 20:16–17; 42a
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The First Lesson
1 Samuel 18:1-4
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The First Lesson
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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The First Lesson
Song of Solomon 2:10–13; 8:6–7
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The First Lesson
Micah 4:1-4
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After the Reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
PeopleThanks be to God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
PeopleThanks be to God.
Between the Readings, a psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate psalms are Psalm 65, Psalm 67, Psalm 85:7–13, Psalm 98, Psalm 100, Psalm 126, Psalm 127, Psalm 133, Psalm 148, and Psalm 149:1–5.
65
Te decet hymnusBCP p. 6721You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.
2To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, *because of their transgressions.
3Our sins are stronger than we are, *but you will blot them out.
4Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there! *they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.
5Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, *O Hope of all the ends of the earth and of the seas that are far away.
6You make fast the mountains by your power; *they are girded about with might.
7You still the roaring of the seas, *the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.
8Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; *you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.
9You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; *the river of God is full of water.
10You prepare the grain, *for so you provide for the earth.
11You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.
12You crown the year with your goodness, *and your paths overflow with plenty.
13May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, *and the hills be clothed with joy.
14May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; *let them shout for joy and sing.
67
Deus misereaturBCP p. 6751May God be merciful to us and bless us, *show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
2Let your ways be known upon earth, *your saving health among all nations.
3Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.
4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.
5Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.
6The earth has brought forth her increase; *may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
7May God give us his blessing, *and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.
85
Benedixisti, DomineBCP p. 7087Show us your mercy, O Lord, *and grant us your salvation.
8I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *that his glory may dwell in our land.
10Mercy and truth have met together; *righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11Truth shall spring up from the earth, *and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *and our land will yield its increase.
13Righteousness shall go before him, *and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
98
Cantate DominoBCP p. 7271Sing to the Lord a new song, *for he has done marvelous things.
2With his right hand and his holy arm *has he won for himself the victory.
3The Lord has made known his victory; *his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
5Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.
6Sing to the Lord with the harp, *with the harp and the voice of song.
7With trumpets and the sound of the horn *shout with joy before the King, the Lord.
8Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *the lands and those who dwell therein.
9Let the rivers clap their hands, *and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord, when he comes to judge the earth.
10In righteousness shall he judge the world *and the peoples with equity.
100
Jubilate DeoBCP p. 7291Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.
2Know this: The Lord himself is God; *he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
3Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; *give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
4For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; *and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
126
In convertendoBCP p. 7821When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *then were we like those who dream.
2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3Then they said among the nations, *“The Lord has done great things for them.”
4The Lord has done great things for us, *and we are glad indeed.
5Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *like the watercourses of the Negev.
6Those who sowed with tears *will reap with songs of joy.
7Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
127
Nisi DominusBCP p. 7821Unless the Lord builds the house, *their labor is in vain who build it.
2Unless the Lord watches over the city, *in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4Children are a heritage from the Lord, *and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *are the children of one’s youth.
6Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
133
Ecce, quam bonum!BCP p. 7871Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *when brethren live together in unity!
2It is like fine oil upon the head *that runs down upon the beard,
3Upon the beard of Aaron, *and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
4It is like the dew of Hermon *that falls upon the hills of Zion.
5For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *life for evermore.
148
Laudate DominumBCP p. 8051Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; *praise him in the heights.
2Praise him, all you angels of his; *praise him, all his host.
3Praise him, sun and moon; *praise him, all you shining stars.
4Praise him, heaven of heavens, *and you waters above the heavens.
5Let them praise the Name of the Lord; *for he commanded, and they were created.
6He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
7Praise the Lord from the earth, *you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8Fire and hail, snow and fog, *tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9Mountains and all hills, *fruit trees and all cedars;
10Wild beasts and all cattle, *creeping things and wingèd birds;
11Kings of the earth and all peoples, *princes and all rulers of the world;
12Young men and maidens, *old and young together.
13Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven.
14He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, *the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!
149
Cantate DominoBCP p. 8071Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; *sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.
2Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3Let them praise his Name in the dance; *let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
4For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *and adorns the poor with victory.
5Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *let them be joyful on their beds.
The Second Lesson
Romans 12:9–18
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The Second Lesson
1 Corinthians 12:31b–13:13
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The Second Lesson
2 Corinthians 5:17–20
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The Second Lesson
Galatians 5:14, 22–26
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The Second Lesson
Ephesians 3:14–21
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The Second Lesson
Colossians 3:12–17
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The Second Lesson
1 John 3:18–24
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The Second Lesson
1 John 4:7–16, 21
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After the Reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
PeopleThanks be to God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
PeopleThanks be to God.
All standing, the Deacon or Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _____________.
PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to _____________.
PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.
The Gospel
Matthew 5:1-16
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The Gospel
Mark 12:28–34
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The Gospel
Luke 6:32-38
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The Gospel
John 15:9–17
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The Gospel
John 17:1–2, 18–26
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After the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
The Witnessing of the Vows and the Blessing of the Covenant
The couple comes before the assembly. If there is to be a presentation, the presenters stand with the couple, and the Presider says to them
PresiderWho presents N. and N., as they seek the blessing of God and the Church on their love and life together?
PresentersWe do.
PresiderWill you love, respect, and pray for N. and N., and do all in your power to stand with them in the life they will share?
PresentersWe will.
The Presider then addresses the couple, saying
PresiderN. and N., you have come before God and the Church to exchange [and renew] solemn vows with one another and to ask God’s blessing.
The Presider addresses one member of the couple, saying
PresiderN., do you freely and unreservedly offer yourself to N.?
AnswerI do.
PresiderWill you [continue to] live together in faithfulness and holiness of life as long as you both shall live?
AnswerI will, with God’s help.
The Presider addresses the other member of the couple, saying
PresiderN., do you freely and unreservedly offer yourself to N.?
AnswerI do.
PresiderWill you [continue to] live together in faithfulness and holiness of life as long as you both shall live?
AnswerI will, with God’s help.
The assembly stands, the couple faces the People, and the Presider addresses them, saying
PresiderWill all of you gathered to witness these vows do all in your power to uphold and honor this couple in the covenant they make?
AnswerWe will.
PresiderWill you pray for them, especially in times of trouble, and celebrate with them in times of joy?
AnswerWe will.
The Prayers
The Presider then introduces the prayers
PresiderThen let us pray for N. and N. in their life together and for the concerns of this community.
A Deacon or another leader bids prayers for the couple.
Prayers for the Church and for the world, for the concerns of the local community, for those who suffer or face trouble, and for the departed are also appropriate. If the rite takes place in the principal Sunday worship of the congregation, the rubric concerning the Prayers of the People on page 359 of the Book of Common Prayer is followed.
Adaptations or insertions may be made to the form that follows.
A bar in the margin indicates a bidding that may be omitted.
For N. and N., seeking your blessing and the blessing of your holy people;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For a spirit of loving-kindness to shelter them all their days;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For friends to support them and communities to enfold them;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For peace in their home and love in their family;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For the grace and wisdom to care for the children you entrust to them [or may entrust to them];
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For the honesty to acknowledge when they hurt each other, and the humility to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For the outpouring of your love through their work and witness;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For the strength to keep the vows each of us has made;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
The leader may add one or more of the following biddings
For all who have been reborn and made new in the waters of Baptism;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For those who lead and serve in communities of faith;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For those who seek justice, peace, and concord among nations;
Loving God
Hear our prayer.
For those who are sick or suffering, homeless or poor;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For victims of violence and those who inflict it;
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For communion with all who have died, [especially those whom we remember this day: ___________];
Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
The Presider concludes the Prayers with the following or another appropriate Collect
Giver of every gift, source of all goodness, hear the prayers we bring before you for N. and N., who seek your blessing this day. Strengthen them as they share in the saving work of Jesus, and bring about for them and for all you have created the fullness of life he promised, who now lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
If the Eucharist is to follow, the Lord’s Prayer is omitted here.
LeaderAs our Savior Christhas taught us,we now pray,
People and LeaderOur Father in heaven,hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.
LeaderAnd now, as our SaviorChrist has taught us,we are bold to say,
People and LeaderOur Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Commitment
The People sit. The couple stands, facing the Presider.
PresiderN. and N., I invite you now, illumined by the Word of God and strengthened by the prayer of this community, to make your covenant before God and the Church.
Each member of the couple, in turn, takes the right hand of the other and says
In the name of God, I, N., give myself to you, N., and take you to myself. I will support and care for you by the grace of God: in times of sickness, in times of health. I will hold and cherish you in the love of Christ: in times of plenty, in times of want. I will honor and keep you with the Spirit’s help: in times of anguish, in times of joy, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.
In the name of God, I, N., give myself to you, N., and take you to myself. I will support and care for you: in times of sickness, in times of health. I will hold and cherish you: in times of plenty, in times of want. I will honor and love you: in times of anguish, in times of joy, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.
If rings are to be exchanged, they are brought before the Presider, who prays using the following words
Let us pray.
Bless, O God, these rings as signs of the enduring covenant N. and N. have made with each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The two people place the rings on the fingers of one another, first the one, then the other, saying
N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.
N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
If the two have previously given and worn rings as a symbol of their commitment, the rings may be blessed on the hands of the couple, the Presider saying
Let us pray.
By the rings which they have worn, faithful God, N. and N. have shown to one another and the world their love and faithfulness. Bless now these rings, that from this day forward they may be signs of the vows N. and N. have exchanged in your presence and in the communion of your Church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pronouncement
The Presider joins the right hands and says
Now that N. and N. have exchanged vows of love and fidelity in the presence of God and the Church, I now pronounce that they are bound to one another as long as they both shall live. Amen.
Blessing of the Couple
As the couple stands or kneels, the Presider invokes God’s blessing upon them, saying
Let us pray. Most gracious God, we praise you for the tender mercy and unfailing care revealed to us in Jesus the Christ and for the great joy and comfort bestowed upon us in the gift of human love. We give you thanks for N. and N., and the covenant of faithfulness they have made. Pour out the abundance of your Holy Spirit upon them. Keep them in your steadfast love; protect them from all danger; fill them with your wisdom and peace; lead them in holy service to each other and the world.
The Presider continues with one of the following
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul. God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast fidelity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
God, the holy and undivided Trinity, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul. God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast fidelity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
The Peace
The Presider bids the Peace.
PresiderThe peace of the Lord be always with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
PresiderThe peace of Christ be always with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
The liturgy continues with the Holy Communion. When the Eucharist is not celebrated, the Presider blesses the people. The Deacon, or in the absence of a Deacon, the Priest, dismisses them.
At the Eucharist
The liturgy continues with the Offertory, at which the couple may present the offerings of bread and wine.
The following proper preface may be said.
Because in the giving of two people to each other in faithful love you reveal the joy and abundant life you share with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The following postcommunion prayer may be said.
God our strength and joy, we thank you for the communion of our life together, for the example of holy love that you give us in N. and N., and for the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that it may renew our hope and nourish us for the work you set before us to witness to the presence of Christ in the world, through the power of your Spirit, and to the glory of your Name. Amen.