An unexpectedly delightful tune to bless a marriage from John Bell and Graham Maule at the Wild Goose Resource Group. Set to the traditional Sussex Carol, it would enhance any wedding. Get the flavour in the acappella snippet at the AOV site.
Verse 1
That human life might richer be,
That children may be named and known,
That love finds its own sanctuary,
That those in love stay not alone,
Refrain
Praise, praise the Maker, Spirit, Son,
Blessing this marriage now begun.
Verse 2
As two we love are wed this day
And we stand witness to their vow,
We call on God, the Trinity,
To sanctify their pledges now.
Refrain
Verse 3
Parents and families they leave,
Their own family to make;
And, sharing what their pasts have taught,
They shape it for the future’s sake.
Refrain
Verse 4
This is as God meant it to be,
That man and woman should be as one,
And live in love and love through life,
As Christ on earth has taught and done.
Refrain
Verse 5
Then, bless the bridegroom, bless the bride,
The dreams they dream, the hopes they share;
And thank the Lord whose love inspires
The joy their lips and ours declare.
Refrain
© WGRG, Iona Community, 1989.
http://www.iona.org.uk/wgrg_home.php