Marriage Service Parallels

In addition to the marriage service in the Book of Common Prayer (1979), the Episcopal Church has authorized several alternative marriage services, mainly in response to the need for gender-neutral language to describe the couple following the approval of same-sex marriage. This page is intended to show the parallels between the various authorized marriage services, noting differences as they arise. Note: “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage,” as its own rite, differs in structure from the other services. Its prayers are here presented as alternatives to the traditional prayers, but the layout on this page does not reflect the exact order of materials in that rite.
SourceBCP p. 423SourceLR 1 p. 99SourceLR 1 p. 89SourceBCP p. 435
Celebration and Blessing of a MarriageCelebration and Blessing of a Marriage (2)The Witnessing and Blessing of a MarriageAn Order for Marriage

The standard marriage service from the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

A gender-neutral adaptation of the 1979 marriage service, approved for trial use in 2015/2018.

An alternative marriage service approved for trial use in 2012, designed for couples of any gender and shaped by a desire to include the experiences of same-sex couples in the marriage rite.

A bare-bones outline given in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer for the requirements of a marriage service that could be celebrated otherwise than as provided in the traditional service.

The Celebration and
Blessing of a Marriage

The Celebration and Blessing
of a Marriage (2)

The Witnessing and Blessing
of a Marriage

An Order for Marriage

The Word of God

Gathering

At the time appointed, the persons to be married, with their witnesses, assemble in the church or some other appropriate place.

The couple joins the assembly.

The laws of the State and the canons of this Church having been complied with, the man and the woman, together with their witnesses, families, and friends assemble in the church or in some other convenient place.

During their entrance, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.

A hymn of praise, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.

The Presider says the following, the People standing

PresiderBlessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

PeopleBlessed be God, now and for ever. Amen.

PresiderBlessed be the one, holy, and living God.

PeopleGlory to God for ever and ever.

From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

PresiderAlleluia. Christ is risen.

PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

PresiderAlleluia. Christ is risen.

PeopleChrist is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Then may be said

PresiderBeloved, let us love one another,

PeopleFor love is of God.

PresiderWhoever does not love does not know God,

PeopleFor God is love.

PresiderSince God so loves us,

PeopleLet us love one another.

Then the Celebrant, facing the people and the persons to be married, with the woman to the right and the man to the left, addresses the congregation and says

Then the Celebrant, facing the people and the persons to be married, addresses the congregation and says

The Presider may address the assembly in these words

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of N. and N. in Holy Matrimony. The joining of two people in a life of mutual fidelity signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and so it is worthy of being honored among all people.

Dear friends in Christ, [or Dearly beloved], in the name of God and the Church

we have come together today with N. N. and N. N.,

to witness the vows they make, committing themselves to one another

in marriage [according to the laws of the state [or civil jurisdiction of X].

Forsaking all others,

they will bind themselves to one another

in a covenant of mutual fidelity and steadfast love,

remaining true to one another in heart, body, and mind,

as long as they both shall live.

The lifelong commitment of marriage

is not to be entered into lightly or thoughtlessly, but responsibly and with reverence.

Let us pray, then, that God will give them the strength to remain steadfast in what they vow this day.

Let us also pray for the generosity

to support them in the commitment they undertake

and for the wisdom to see God at work in their life together.

Dear friends in Christ [or Dearly beloved], in the name of God and the Church

we have come together today with N. N. and N. N.

to witness the sacred vows they make this day

as they are married

[according to the laws of the state or civil jurisdiction of X],

and reaffirm their commitment to one another.

Forsaking all others,

they will renew their covenant of mutual fidelity and steadfast love,

remaining true to one another in heart, body, and mind,

as long as they both shall live.

Let us pray, then, that God will give them the strength

to remain steadfast in what they vow this day.

Let us also pray for the generosity

to support them in the commitment they undertake,

and for the wisdom to see God at work in their life together.

1. The teaching of the Church concerning Holy Matrimony, as it is declared in the formularies and canons of this Church, is briefly stated.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

The union of two people in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the gift of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this holy union N. N. and N. N. now come to be joined.

If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace.

Then the Celebrant says to the persons to be married

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God’s Word, you do now confess it.

I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you knows any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God’s Word, you do now confess it.

The Declaration of Consent

The Celebrant says to the woman

The Celebrant says to one member of the couple, then to the other

The Presider then addresses the couple, saying

2. The intention of the man and the woman to enter the state of matrimony, and their free consent, is publicly ascertained.

N., will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

N., will you have this woman/man/person to be your wife/husband/spouse; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and keep her/him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her/him as long as you both shall live?

AnswerI will.

PresiderN. and N., you have come before God and the Church to exchange [and renew] solemn vows with one another and to ask God’s blessing.

The Woman answers

The Presider addresses one member of the couple, saying

I will.

PresiderN., do you freely and unreservedly offer yourself to N.?

AnswerI do.

PresiderWill you [continue to] live together in faithfulness and holiness of life as long as you both shall live?

AnswerI will, with God’s help.

The Celebrant says to the man

The Presider addresses the other member of the couple, saying

N., will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

PresiderN., do you freely and unreservedly offer yourself to N.?

AnswerI do.

PresiderWill you [continue to] live together in faithfulness and holiness of life as long as you both shall live?

AnswerI will, with God’s help.

The Man answers

I will.

The Celebrant then addresses the congregation, saying

The assembly stands, the couple faces the People, and the Presider addresses them, saying

Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?

PresiderWill all of you gathered to witness these vows do all in your power to uphold and honor this couple in the covenant they make?

AnswerWe will.

PresiderWill you pray for them, especially in times of trouble, and celebrate with them in times of joy?

AnswerWe will.

PeopleWe will.

If there is to be a presentation or a giving in marriage, it takes place at this time.

The couple comes before the assembly. If there is to be a presentation, the presenters stand with the couple, and the Presider says to them

PresiderWho presents N. and N., as they seek the blessing of God and the Church on their love and life together?

PresentersWe do.

PresiderWill you love, respect, and pray for N. and N., and do all in your power to stand with them in the life they will share?

PresentersWe will.

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may follow.

The Ministry of the Word

The Celebrant then says to the people

The Collect of the Day

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

The Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

CelebrantLet us pray.

PresiderThe Lord be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

PresiderLet us pray.

PresiderGod be with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

PresiderLet us pray.

Let us pray.

O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O gracious and everliving God, you have created humankind in your image: Look mercifully upon N. and N. who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

God of abundance: assist by your grace N. and N., whose covenant of love and fidelity we witness this day. Grant them your protection, that with firm resolve they may honor and keep the vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Almighty and everliving God: look tenderly upon N. and N., who stand before you in the company of your Church. Let their life together bring them great joy. Grant them so to love selflessly and live humbly, that they may be to one another and to the world a witness and a sign of your never-failing love and care; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, to the ages of ages. Amen.

O God, faithful and true, whose steadfast love endures for ever: we give you thanks for sustaining N. and N. in the life they share and for bringing them to this day. Nurture them and fill them with joy in their life together, continuing the good work you have begun in them; and grant us, with them, a dwelling place eternal in the heavens where all your people will share the joy of perfect love, and where you, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Holy Trinity, one God, three Persons perfect in unity and equal in majesty: Draw together with bonds of love and affection N. and N., who with their families seek to live in harmony and forbearance all their days, that their joining together will be to us a reflection of that perfect communion which is your very essence and life, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who live and reign in glory everlasting. Amen.

Then one or more of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Communion, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.

The Lessons

The people sit. Then one or more of the following passages of Scripture is read. If the Holy Communion is to be celebrated, a passage from the Gospels always concludes the Readings. When the blessing is celebrated in the context of the Sunday Eucharist, the Readings of the Sunday are used, except with the permission of the Bishop.

The First Reading

Genesis 1:26-28

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The First Reading

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24

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The First Reading

Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7

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The First Reading

Tobit 8:5b-8

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The First Lesson

Ruth 1:16–17

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The First Lesson

1 Samuel 18:1b, 3; 20:16–17; 42a

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The First Lesson

1 Samuel 18:1-4

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The First Lesson

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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The First Lesson

Song of Solomon 2:10–13; 8:6–7

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The First Lesson

Micah 4:1-4

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After the Reading, the Reader may say

The Word of the Lord.

PeopleThanks be to God.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

PeopleThanks be to God.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.

PeopleThanks be to God.

Between the Readings, a Psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate Psalms are 67, 127, and 128.

Between the Readings, a psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate psalms are Psalm 65, Psalm 67, Psalm 85:7–13, Psalm 98, Psalm 100, Psalm 126, Psalm 127, Psalm 133, Psalm 148, and Psalm 149:1–5.

67

Deus misereaturBCP p. 675

1May God be merciful to us and bless us, *show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

2Let your ways be known upon earth, *your saving health among all nations.

3Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.

4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.

5Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.

6The earth has brought forth her increase; *may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

7May God give us his blessing, *and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

127

Nisi DominusBCP p. 782

1Unless the Lord builds the house, *their labor is in vain who build it.

2Unless the Lord watches over the city, *in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.

3It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.

4Children are a heritage from the Lord, *and the fruit of the womb is a gift.

5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *are the children of one’s youth.

6Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

128

Beati omnesBCP p. 783

1Happy are they all who fear the Lord, *and who follow in his ways!

2You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *happiness and prosperity shall be yours.

3Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *your children like olive shoots round about your table.

4The man who fears the Lord *shall thus indeed be blessed.

5The Lord bless you from Zion, *and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6May you live to see your children’s children; *may peace be upon Israel.

65

Te decet hymnusBCP p. 672

1You are to be praised, O God, in Zion; *to you shall vows be performed in Jerusalem.

2To you that hear prayer shall all flesh come, *because of their transgressions.

3Our sins are stronger than we are, *but you will blot them out.

4Happy are they whom you choose and draw to your courts to dwell there! *they will be satisfied by the beauty of your house, by the holiness of your temple.

5Awesome things will you show us in your righteousness, O God of our salvation, *O Hope of all the ends of the earth and of the seas that are far away.

6You make fast the mountains by your power; *they are girded about with might.

7You still the roaring of the seas, *the roaring of their waves, and the clamor of the peoples.

8Those who dwell at the ends of the earth will tremble at your marvelous signs; *you make the dawn and the dusk to sing for joy.

9You visit the earth and water it abundantly; you make it very plenteous; *the river of God is full of water.

10You prepare the grain, *for so you provide for the earth.

11You drench the furrows and smooth out the ridges; *with heavy rain you soften the ground and bless its increase.

12You crown the year with your goodness, *and your paths overflow with plenty.

13May the fields of the wilderness be rich for grazing, *and the hills be clothed with joy.

14May the meadows cover themselves with flocks, and the valleys cloak themselves with grain; *let them shout for joy and sing.

67

Deus misereaturBCP p. 675

1May God be merciful to us and bless us, *show us the light of his countenance and come to us.

2Let your ways be known upon earth, *your saving health among all nations.

3Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.

4Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *for you judge the peoples with equity and guide all the nations upon earth.

5Let the peoples praise you, O God; *let all the peoples praise you.

6The earth has brought forth her increase; *may God, our own God, give us his blessing.

7May God give us his blessing, *and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.

85

Benedixisti, DomineBCP p. 708

7Show us your mercy, O Lord, *and grant us your salvation.

8I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, *for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

9Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *that his glory may dwell in our land.

10Mercy and truth have met together; *righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11Truth shall spring up from the earth, *and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

12The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, *and our land will yield its increase.

13Righteousness shall go before him, *and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

98

Cantate DominoBCP p. 727

1Sing to the Lord a new song, *for he has done marvelous things.

2With his right hand and his holy arm *has he won for himself the victory.

3The Lord has made known his victory; *his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5Shout with joy to the Lord, all you lands; *lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6Sing to the Lord with the harp, *with the harp and the voice of song.

7With trumpets and the sound of the horn *shout with joy before the King, the Lord.

8Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *the lands and those who dwell therein.

9Let the rivers clap their hands, *and let the hills ring out with joy before the Lord, when he comes to judge the earth.

10In righteousness shall he judge the world *and the peoples with equity.

100

Jubilate DeoBCP p. 729

1Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands; *serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song.

2Know this: The Lord himself is God; *he himself has made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

3Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise; *give thanks to him and call upon his Name.

4For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; *and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

126

In convertendoBCP p. 782

1When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *then were we like those who dream.

2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *and our tongue with shouts of joy.

3Then they said among the nations, *“The Lord has done great things for them.”

4The Lord has done great things for us, *and we are glad indeed.

5Restore our fortunes, O Lord, *like the watercourses of the Negev.

6Those who sowed with tears *will reap with songs of joy.

7Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

127

Nisi DominusBCP p. 782

1Unless the Lord builds the house, *their labor is in vain who build it.

2Unless the Lord watches over the city, *in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.

3It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *vain, too, to eat the bread of toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.

4Children are a heritage from the Lord, *and the fruit of the womb is a gift.

5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *are the children of one’s youth.

6Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *he shall not be put to shame when he contends with his enemies in the gate.

133

Ecce, quam bonum!BCP p. 787

1Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *when brethren live together in unity!

2It is like fine oil upon the head *that runs down upon the beard,

3Upon the beard of Aaron, *and runs down upon the collar of his robe.

4It is like the dew of Hermon *that falls upon the hills of Zion.

5For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *life for evermore.

148

Laudate DominumBCP p. 805

1Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens; *praise him in the heights.

2Praise him, all you angels of his; *praise him, all his host.

3Praise him, sun and moon; *praise him, all you shining stars.

4Praise him, heaven of heavens, *and you waters above the heavens.

5Let them praise the Name of the Lord; *for he commanded, and they were created.

6He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *he gave them a law which shall not pass away.

7Praise the Lord from the earth, *you sea-monsters and all deeps;

8Fire and hail, snow and fog, *tempestuous wind, doing his will;

9Mountains and all hills, *fruit trees and all cedars;

10Wild beasts and all cattle, *creeping things and wingèd birds;

11Kings of the earth and all peoples, *princes and all rulers of the world;

12Young men and maidens, *old and young together.

13Let them praise the Name of the Lord, *for his Name only is exalted, his splendor is over earth and heaven.

14He has raised up strength for his people and praise for all his loyal servants, *the children of Israel, a people who are near him. Hallelujah!

149

Cantate DominoBCP p. 807

1Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song; *sing his praise in the congregation of the faithful.

2Let Israel rejoice in his Maker; *let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3Let them praise his Name in the dance; *let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

4For the Lord takes pleasure in his people *and adorns the poor with victory.

5Let the faithful rejoice in triumph; *let them be joyful on their beds.

The Second Reading

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

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The Second Reading

Ephesians 3:14-19

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The Second Reading

Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33

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The Second Reading

Colossians 3:12-17

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The Second Reading

1 John 4:7-16

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The Second Lesson

Romans 12:9–18

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The Second Lesson

1 Corinthians 12:31b–13:13

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The Second Lesson

2 Corinthians 5:17–20

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The Second Lesson

Galatians 5:14, 22–26

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The Second Lesson

Ephesians 3:14–21

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The Second Lesson

Colossians 3:12–17

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The Second Lesson

1 John 3:18–24

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The Second Lesson

1 John 4:7–16, 21

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After the Reading, the Reader may say

The Word of the Lord.

PeopleThanks be to God.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.

PeopleThanks be to God.

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.

PeopleThanks be to God.

When a passage from the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Deacon or Minister appointed says

All standing, the Deacon or Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _____________.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to _____________.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to _____________.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel

Matthew 5:1-10

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The Gospel

Matthew 5:13-16

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The Gospel

Matthew 7:21, 24-29

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The Gospel

Mark 10:6-9, 13-16

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The Gospel

John 15:9-12

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The Gospel

Matthew 5:1-16

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The Gospel

Mark 12:28–34

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The Gospel

Luke 6:32-38

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The Gospel

John 15:9–17

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The Gospel

John 17:1–2, 18–26

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After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.

PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ.

A homily or other response to the Readings may follow.

The Sermon

The Marriage

The Man, facing the woman and taking her right hand in his, says

Each member of the couple, in turn, takes the right hand of the other and says

The People sit. The couple stands, facing the Presider.

4. The vows of the man and woman are exchanged, using the following form

In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my wife/husband/spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

PresiderN. and N., I invite you now, illumined by the Word of God and strengthened by the prayer of this community, to make your covenant before God and the Church.

In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my (wife) (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

I, N., take thee N., to my wedded (wife) (husband), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I (plight) (give) thee my troth.

Then they loose their hands, and the Woman, still facing the man, takes his right hand in hers, and says

Each member of the couple, in turn, takes the right hand of the other and says

In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.

In the name of God, I, N., give myself to you, N., and take you to myself. I will support and care for you by the grace of God: in times of sickness, in times of health. I will hold and cherish you in the love of Christ: in times of plenty, in times of want. I will honor and love you with the Spirit’s help: in times of anguish, in times of joy, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

In the name of God, I, N., give myself to you, N., and take you to myself. I will support and care for you: in times of sickness, in times of health. I will hold and cherish you: in times of plenty, in times of want. I will honor and love you: in times of anguish, in times of joy, forsaking all others, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

They loose their hands.

The Priest may ask God’s blessing on a ring or rings as follows

The Priest may ask God’s blessing on rings as follows

If rings are to be exchanged, they are brought before the Presider, who prays using the following words

Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bless, O Lord, these rings to be signs of the vows by which N. and N. have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pray. Bless, O God, these rings as signs of the enduring covenant N. and N. have made with each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The giver places the ring on the ring-finger of the other’s hand and says

The giver places the ring on the ring finger of the other’s hand and says

The two people place the rings on the fingers of one another, first the one, then the other, saying

N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (or in the Name of God).

N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit [or in the Name of God].

N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.

N., I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

If the two have previously given and worn rings as a symbol of their commitment, the rings may be blessed on the hands of the couple, the Presider saying

Let us pray. By the rings which they have worn, faithful God, N. and N. have shown to one another and the world their love and faithfulness. Bless now these rings, that from this day forward they may be signs of the vows N. and N. have exchanged in your presence and in the communion of your Church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pronouncement

Then the Celebrant joins the right hands of husband and wife and says

Then the Celebrant joins the right hands of the couple and says

The Presider joins the right hands of the couple and says

5. The Celebrant declares the union of the man and woman as husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now that N. and N. have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now that N. and N. have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are wed to one another, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now that N. and N. have exchanged vows of love and fidelity in the presence of God and the Church, I pronounce that they are married [according to the laws of the state or civil jurisdiction of X]. and bound to one another as long as they both shall live. Amen.

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.

PeopleAmen.

The Prayers

6. Prayers are offered for the husband and wife, for their life together, for the Christian community, and for the world.

All standing, the Celebrant says

If the Eucharist is to follow, the Lord’s Prayer is omitted here.

Let us pray together in the words our Savior taught us.

LeaderAs our Savior Christhas taught us,we now pray,

People and LeaderOur Father in heaven,hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

LeaderAnd now, as our SaviorChrist has taught us,we are bold to say,

People and LeaderOur Father, who art in heaven,hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

People and Celebrant

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever. Amen.

If Communion is to follow, the Lord’s Prayer may be omitted here.

The Deacon or other person appointed reads the following prayers, to which the People respond, saying, Amen.

The Presider then introduces the prayers

If there is not to be a Communion, one or more of the prayers may be omitted.

PresiderThen let us pray for N. and N. in their life together and for the concerns of this community.

Let us pray. Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon this man and this woman whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.

Let us pray. Eternal God, creator and preserver of all life, author of salvation, and giver of all grace: Look with favor upon the world you have made, and for which your Son gave his life, and especially upon N. and N. whom you make one flesh in Holy Matrimony. Amen.

A Deacon or another leader bids prayers for the couple.

Give them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. Amen.

Prayers for the Church and for the world, for the concerns of the local community, for those who suffer or face trouble, and for the departed are also appropriate. If the rite takes place in the principal Sunday worship of the congregation, the rubric concerning the Prayers of the People on page 359 of the Book of Common Prayer is followed.

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will, and their spirits in your Spirit, that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen.

Adaptations or insertions may be made to the form that follows.

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours. Amen.

A bar in the margin indicates a bidding that may be omitted.

Make their life together a sign of Christ’s love to this sinful and broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Amen.

For N. and N., seeking your blessing and the blessing of your holy people; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Bestow on them, if it is your will, the gift and heritage of children, and the grace to bring them up to know you, to love you, and to serve you. Amen.

For a spirit of loving-kindness to shelter them all their days; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Give them such fulfillment of their mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Amen.

For friends to support them and communities to enfold them; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows may find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed. Amen.

For peace in their home and love in their family; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and for ever. Amen.

For the grace and wisdom to care for the children you entrust to them [or may entrust to them]; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the honesty to acknowledge when they hurt each other, and the humility to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the outpouring of your love through their work and witness; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For the strength to keep the vows each of us has made; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

The leader may add one or more of the following biddings

For all who have been reborn and made new in the waters of Baptism; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those who lead and serve in communities of faith; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For those who seek justice, peace, and concord among nations; Loving God
Hear our prayer.

For those who are sick or suffering, homeless or poor; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For victims of violence and those who inflict it; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

For communion with all who have died, [especially those whom we remember this day: ___________]; Loving God or Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

The Presider concludes the Prayers with the following or another appropriate Collect

Giver of every gift, source of all goodness, hear the prayers we bring before you for N. and N., who seek your blessing this day. Strengthen them as they share in the saving work of Jesus, and bring about for them and for all you have created the fullness of life he promised, who now lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

The Blessing of the Marriage

Blessing of the Couple

7. A priest or bishop pronounces a solemn blessing upon the couple.

The people remain standing. The husband and wife kneel, and the Priest says one of the following prayers

The People remain standing. The couple kneel, and the Priest says one of the following prayers

As the couple stands or kneels, the Presider invokes God’s blessing upon them, saying

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of man and woman in his Name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon this man and this woman. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Most gracious God, we give you thanks for your tender love in sending Jesus Christ to come among us, to be born of a human mother, and to make the way of the cross to be the way of life. We thank you, also, for consecrating the union of two people in his Name. By the power of your Holy Spirit, pour out the abundance of your blessing upon N. and N. Defend them from every enemy. Lead them into all peace. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts, a mantle about their shoulders, and a crown upon their foreheads. Bless them in their work and in their companionship; in their sleeping and in their waking; in their joys and in their sorrows; in their life and in their death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that table where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O God, you have so consecrated the covenant of marriage that in it is represented the spiritual unity between Christ and his Church: Send therefore your blessing upon these your servants, that they may so love, honor, and cherish each other in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Let us pray. Most gracious God, we praise you for the tender mercy and unfailing care revealed to us in Jesus the Christ and for the great joy and comfort bestowed upon us in the gift of human love. We give you thanks for N. and N., and the covenant of faithfulness they have made. Pour out the abundance of your Holy Spirit upon them. Keep them in your steadfast love; protect them from all danger; fill them with your wisdom and peace; lead them in holy service to each other and the world.

The husband and wife still kneeling, the Priest adds this blessing

The couple still kneeling, the Priest adds this blessing

The Presider continues with one of the following

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul. God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast fidelity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

God, the holy and undivided Trinity, bless, preserve, and keep you, and mercifully grant you rich and boundless grace, that you may please God in body and soul. God make you a sign of the loving-kindness and steadfast fidelity manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior, and bring you at last to the delight of the heavenly banquet, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

The Peace

The Celebrant may say to the people

The Presider bids the Peace.

8. If there is no Communion, the service concludes with the Peace, the husband and wife first greeting each other. The Peace may be exchanged throughout the assembly.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

PresiderThe peace of the Lord be always with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

PresiderThe peace of Christ be always with you.

PeopleAnd also with you.

The newly married couple then greet each other, after which greetings may be exchanged throughout the congregation.

The liturgy continues with the Holy Communion. When the Eucharist is not celebrated, the Presider blesses the people. The Deacon, or in the absence of a Deacon, the Priest, dismisses them.

When Communion is not to follow, the wedding party leaves the church. A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung, or instrumental music may be played.

At the Eucharist

9. If there is to be a Communion, the service continues with the Peace and the Offertory. The Holy Eucharist may be celebrated either according to Rite One or Rite Two in this Book, or according to the Order on page 401 [An Order for Celebrating the Holy Eucharist].

The liturgy continues with the Offertory, at which the newly married couple may present the offerings of bread and wine.

The liturgy continues with the Offertory, at which the couple may present the offerings of bread and wine.

The following proper preface may be said.

Because in the giving of two people to each other in faithful love you reveal the joy and abundant life you share with your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

At the Communion, it is appropriate that the newly married couple receive Communion first, after the ministers.

In place of the usual postcommunion prayer, the following is said

The following postcommunion prayer may be said.

O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, N. and N., now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that by your Holy Spirit, N. and N., now joined in Holy Matrimony, may become one in heart and soul, live in fidelity and peace, and obtain those eternal joys prepared for all who love you; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God our strength and joy, we thank you for the communion of our life together, for the example of holy love that you give us in N. and N., and for the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Grant that it may renew our hope and nourish us for the work you set before us to witness to the presence of Christ in the world, through the power of your Spirit, and to the glory of your Name. Amen.

As the wedding party leaves the church, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung; or instrumental music may be played.

✕

A Reading from the Book of Genesis.

26 Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” 27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

A Reading from the Song of Songs.

6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

A Reading from the Book of Ruth.

16 But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; Where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will die— there will I be buried. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!”

A Reading from the Book of Genesis.

4 These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; 6 but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” 18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” 19 So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man there was not found a helper as his partner. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then he took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” 24 Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.

A Reading from the Letter to the Romans.

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

A Reading from the Letter to the Colossians.

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

A Reading from the Second Letter to the Corinthians.

17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

A Reading from the Book of Tobit.

5 So she got up, and they began to pray and implore that they might be kept safe. Tobias began by saying, ‘Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors,    and blessed is your name in all generations for ever. Let the heavens and the whole creation bless you for ever. 6 You made Adam, and for him you made his wife Eve    as a helper and support.    From the two of them the human race has sprung. You said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;    let us make a helper for him like himself.” 7 I now am taking this kinswoman of mine,    not because of lust,    but with sincerity. Grant that she and I may find mercy    and that we may grow old together.’ 8 And they both said, ‘Amen, Amen.’

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Luke.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

A Reading from the Book of Micah.

1 In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, 2 and many nations shall come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; 4 but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.

A Reading from the Song of Songs.

6 Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If one offered for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly scorned.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. 17 I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

A Reading from the First Book of Samuel.

1 When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 ”I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 21 Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church, the body of which he is the Savior. 24 Just as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives ought to be, in everything, to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 in order to make her holy by cleansing her with the washing of water by the word, 27 so as to present the church to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind—yes, so that she may be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to Christ and the church. 33 Each of you, however, should love his wife as himself, and a wife should respect her husband.

A Reading from the First Letter of John.

18 Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 19 And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him 20 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; 22 and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Mark.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; 33 and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

A Reading from the Letter to the Colossians.

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” 28 Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, 29 for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

A Reading from the First Book of Samuel.

1 When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 16 Thus Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord seek out the enemies of David.” 17 Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own life. 42 Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since both of us have sworn in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants, forever.’” He got up and left; and Jonathan went into the city.

A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

A Reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes.

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians.

31 But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

A Reading from the First Letter of John.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

A Reading from the Letter to the Galatians.

14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 22 By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

1 When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

A Reading from the First Letter of John.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.

A Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

A Reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians.

1 If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.

PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.