This past weekend I had the privilege to join another Pastor in the performance of the wedding of a dear friend. Following is the Prayer of Commitment that I rendered at the completion of the ceremony.
Alan and Ellen, I understand that some folks who have served you in preparing for this day were surprised that this is the first marriage for both of you. Alan, you know that I’ve had many discussions with Ellen over the past ten years about her desire to find that right man. I don’t know the precise mind of God, but I do know something about the providential ways of God. When we honestly desire to know Him and His way for our lives, he fashions our desires so that He can give us our desires. I believe I have observed that process in your lives. He has prepared you for one another; you complement one another. Therefore, I am delighted to offer this prayer of commitment for you.
Most gracious and loving Father it is our joy to commend Alan and Ellen to your care. Their having sought you in the matter of marriage you have brought them to this day in which they have before these witnesses committed themselves in covenant with you to take one another as husband and wife. Now our prayer for them is this:
May your Holy Spirit enable them to cultivate the love that you have kindled between them.
May He enable them to display your love to the watching world by the manner in which they conduct their relationship.
May you grant them an enduring and an ever expanding companionship.
May they continually rejoice in the Lord so that they may also may find joy even in the difficulties that life will surely bring to them.
In Jesus name, the name of our Savior, we pray. Amen.