When Stephanie asked me to pray for her and John during the wedding, I knew I would not be able to think straight. I also knew I would most likely not make it through with out stopping for the emotional break. So I wrote this out ahead of time. I printed three copies, one for the pastor in case and two for me so I could misplace one and still have the other. I walked the halls before the service and read and reread. I knew where the "soft" spots were. During the service I got past each soft spot. I was all the way down to "We pray in the power and the glory" before I was overcome by the power and glory. I stopped, took a breath, and haltingly plowed on. I guess Jesus name should bring us to tears on occasion.
Father I thank you for Stephanie and for the many years you entrusted her into our care. Thank you for all the times we prayed for her and her someday spouse. Thank you, Father, for John and the years you spent preparing him to be the answer to our prayers and to Stephanie's too. Thank you for giving them the desire to serve You by serving each other. Thank you for creating the mystery of marriage to teach us what is means to be one and more than one at the same time.
I pray that You would bless them with many years together as husband and wife, as mother and father, and as children of the Forgiving Father. Give them patience, Lord, as you have patience with us. Give them wisdom, Father, to handle all that life will bring their way. Most of all, Holy Spirit, fill them will joy overflowing that each day would be a celebration of the incomparable Love that called them into being and calls them each day to greater depths of caring and commitment to each other and to You.
We pray in the power and the glory of Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
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