Marriage Blessing

Paul and I had our marriage blessed on Saturday. The Deacon recited this prayer during the ceremony. I was asked to get a copy of it and instead of e-mailing, I decided to just post it. It is a very beautiful prayer and very true, especially for the couple above-my grandparents dancing at the party on Saturday. They have been married for over 50 years! Thanks for making the trip up and thank you Joanne and Pat for spending you're anniversary with me (you're flower girl) and Paul! While I'm thanking people, thank you Mom and Rick for planning such a nice party and for providing music! Rick and Jenny thanks for all the singing! Thanks also to Matt and Theresa for reading! Jess thanks for making the cake! (Boy, I feel like I'm giving an award speech) Thanks to everybody for sharing in our special day!

The Hands Prayer

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other all the days of your lives.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, that will give you support and encouragement, as together you build your future and share your innermost hopes and dreams.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness and that even when wrinkled with time will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children and help you hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, console you when you are grieving and hold you tight, offering you strength and courage in the face of adversity.

These are the hands that will enter the Sacrament of Matrimony. These four hands will be your armor and shield against the evils and temptations of the world.

These are the hands that will reach out, first to each other, then united, will spread your love and your sacrament to all they touch.

God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection.

May "Paul" and "Stacy" see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.

We ask this in your name, Amen.