We have come together at the invitation of ___________ to celebrate the uniting in Christian love--their lives and hearts. This is possible because of the love God has created in them, through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." This abundant life, for many people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us all to have this abundant life and proved His love for us by giving His Son that we might have this life.

Another way that God provides for this "full" life is creating those who will love us. ___________ such a one in ___________ Their hearts and spirit were drawn together before today by the Lord of all creation. Two lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the power, love and grace of God.

___________ and ___________are here to publicly declare that because of Jesus Christ's love; they too can truly love one another. As God demonstrated His love in Jesus, our Lord ___________ and ___________ will demonstrate this God given love by giving themselves to one another and one for the other.

They have not reached this place alone, each has been given life by their parents. These who gave to them life, love, provision, are and will be, a vital part in their continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in __________ and ___________ Love and respect for these will continue as they grow in their love made possible by their parents.

Questions

Pastor -- Who then has prepared this woman for marriage to this man? ( or "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?")

Father of Bride -- "Her family and I have prepared her for marriage." ( or Father or Bride's escort replies, "Her family and I do." )

Pastor -- I sometimes counsel with the couple and ask them to write what they wish to say in their vows one to another, expressing their love and commitment to each other. They learn this and I allow them to express it without too much if any prompting. One service I had, the girl did not remember what she wanted to say so she blurted out "Jim, I have forgotten what I wanted to say to you - I'm afraid - but I do love you deeply - with my whole heart!" - the wedding service was successful!

Ring Vows

Pastor to Bride -- A ring is more than a symbol of your marriage. It is a seal of the vow you have given to one another! The circle of the ring is, as far as human eye can see, a perfect circle--with no beginning or end--so God too has perfect love for you and wants you to love one another in His grace--never, never ending. This ring is made of precious metal. You also are precious in God's sight and now in the love of (groom) ___________. When you are absent one from another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be faithful to and to fulfill your vow to (groom) ___________.

Rings have historically been the sign of authority--used to seal documents and proclamations, you now accept this authority in your life. (See memo sheet for sealing statement.)

Pastor to Groom -- This ring is a seal of ____________'s vow to you. She presents this to you as a token of her submission to you in Jesus Christ. This is a symbol of leadership and privilege. God has placed you as the head of the family. You must lead in worship, works and fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon you for strength.

Charge the couple to respond to the Scripture of 1 Peter 3 and Ephesians 5.

Pastor to Groom -- __________, are you now prepared to love (Bride)___________ as Christ loved the church, are you willing to love, cherish, provide, protect her, in sickness and sorrow--joyfully, etc. according to the Word of God will you cherish and love her as your wife until death separates you? (Answer "I will).

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, are you prepared to be subject to (Groom) ___________ as described in the Word of God? As your husband will you respect him, love him, etc. (Answer, "I will").

Prayer

Perhaps ask the best man to pray for the Groom and Maid of Honor to pray for the Bride.

Pastor closes in prayer

Pronouncement