Prayer for God's love

Jorel and Spencer

As promised, below is the prayer for my good friends' wedding reception last Saturday, which is based on the Rite of Marriage. These two have gone through a lot in their (I believe) 14 years together as a couple, and their faith has grown stronger because of these trials and smiles, highs and sighs. Spencer says that I am a faith-filled witness and role model in her life, but I can easily say the same about her and Jorel's faith and how they live it out.

May this prayer be (1) a prayer for all married couples, serving as a reminder of the love they have committed to each other and to the Church and (2) a reminder for all Catholics to be a witness of God's love in the world through acts of kindness.

Almighty and ever-living God, we pray for your children, N. and N., now joined by the Sacrament of Matrimony. Grant that they may grow in faith and enrich your Church. May you keep them of one heart, in peace and love for one another.

We ask your blessing upon all of us joyfully gathered here this day [, and upon this food]. May it nourish us and provide us with the strength to grow in faith, hope and love for you. We ask this and all of our prayers, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.