It was a beautiful, sun-kissed Saturday afternoon as family and friends gathered for Thomas and Allie's wedding. The unseen Guest, was also among us so minister/dad offered these prayers.

An invocation:

God, we are gathered today in celebration of your love.  Father God, it was as an expression of your love that you created this world and gave us the gift of life itself.  As God the Son you offered your life to redeem our lives- as an expression of your love.  As further expression of your love, you are present with us now, sustaining us as God the Spirit.  We thank you for the love of family that brings us into this world, nurturing and guiding us.  We thank you for the love of friends who stand with us, encouraging us and challenging us.  And today we give you thanks for the love of a man and woman that calls them to commit themselves to one another as husband and wife.  May you be honored in this time of worship and in the new life that begins today.  Through Christ our Lord, amen.

And a blessing:

God, we thank you for Thomas and Allie and pray your blessings on their marriage.  May you be their light in the dark days, their strength in the hard days, their hope in the lean days, and their love for all their days. And now, "may the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  Amen.