Prayer
We ask you to remember us in your prayers or reflections as we prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage, in whatever way feels most appropriate for you. We are holding you each in prayer as well.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church.
--Ephesians 5: 31-32
Marriage preparation constitutes a providential and favourable period for those oriented toward this Christian sacrament, and a Kayrós, i.e., a period in which God calls upon the engaged and helps them discern the vocation to marriage and family life. The engagement period is set within the context of a rich evangelization process. In fact, questions that affect the family converge in the life of the engaged, the future spouses. They are therefore invited to understand the meaning of the responsible and mature love of the community of life and love which their family will be, a real domestic church which will contribute toward enriching the whole Church.
--Pontifical Council for the Family
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes in which thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity among us all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--The Book of Common Prayer, p. 829.
We thank you, O God, for the love You have implanted in the hearts of Phoenix and Tim. May it always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of each other’s feelings, and concerned for each other’s needs and desires. Help them to be understanding and forgiving of human weaknesses and failings. Increase their faith and trust in You and may Your prudence guide their life and love, especially during this preparation time. Reveal to them Your will for their vocations, and grant them the gift of discernment so that, in all things, their love may be fruitful for Your glory. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of Our Lady, pray for us. Amen.
--Phoenix and Tim's Prayer Card
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher bara sason v’simcha chatan v’kallah, gilah rinah ditzah v’chedvah, ahavah v’achavah v’shalom v’reut. M’hera Adonai Eloheinu yishammah b’arei Yhudah uv-chutzot Y’rushalayim kol sason v’kol simcha, kol chatan v’kol kalah, kol mitzhalot chatanim meichupatam u-n'arim mimishte n’ginatam. Baruch ata Adonai, m’sameiach chatan im hakalah.
Blessed are You, LORD, our God, sovereign of the universe, who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, song, delight and rejoicing, love and harmony and peace and companionship. Quickly, LORD our God, there should be heard in the cities of Judah and in the courtyards of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of groom and the voice of bride, the jubilant voices of grooms from the bridal canopy, and of young people from the feast of their singing. Blessed are You, LORD, Gladdener of the groom with the bride.
--From the Sheva Brachot