I always take delight in weddings, particularly when I have known the bride and/or groom for some time. This evening is marks such an event as Leroy T. Johnson and Fawn Elizabeth Coonan are to be united in Holy Matrimony. Please join me in lifting this wonderful young couple up in prayer.
Holy Matrimony
The voice that breathed o’er Eden,
That earliest wedding day
The primal marriage Blessing,
It hath not passed away.
Still in the pure espousal
Of Christian man and maid,
The holy Three are with us,
The threefold grace is said.
Be present, aweful Father,
To give away this bride,
As Eve thou gav’st to Adam
Out of his own pierced side:
Be present, Son of Mary,
To join their loving hands,
As thou didst bind two natures
In thine eternal bands!
Be present, holiest Spirit,
To bless them as they kneel,
As thou, for Christ the Bridegroom,
The heavenly Spouse dost seal!
O spread thy pure wing o’er them,
Let no ill power find place,
When onward to thine altar
Their hallowed path they trace,
To cast their crowns before thee
In perfect sacrifice,
Till to the home of gladness
With Christ’s own Bride they rise. Amen
-John Keble
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