Yesterday we attended my nephew’s wedding.
I was asked to do two Scripture readings in the Service, 1 Corinthians 13 and John 15 v 9-12. During the Reception speeches I proposed a toast to ‘absent friends’. Personally I was thinking of a son who is studying in England, and of my Dad who passed away last year.
Like most weddings there was a lot of laughter, and a few inevitable tears. Before the night was over I danced with my wife and daughters, my Mum, my brother and sister-in-law and a whole bunch of other family and friends.
It was a great day!
As we prayed grace and blessing in God’s holy name for the couple making their public vows before Him, I thought of this prayer, one of a number I’ve written recently.
I offer it here today for families of all sizes, shapes and descriptions. You are welcome to use it in whole or in part when you pray for yours.
Lord, I know that my family and me, we’re far from perfect, but thank you anyway.
Thank you for each other and for the unique bond that makes us ‘us’.
For the brilliant times we’ve shared, when we laughed ‘til we almost cried.
And for the times we’ve cried in pain, the proof that we really care.
Lord I know we don’t at times deserve it but thank you for your love.
For your faithful, patient hanging in with us when we feel so unsure about things.
For your giving of yourself that we might know forgiveness and this glorious possibility -
Of sharing love in your family for always.
So Lord, please accept this prayer, for parents, partners, children, siblings,
And those whose loyal friendship makes them as family to us:
For grace to trust and follow you, your spirit within and among all,
For wisdom in the wilderness,
Courage in the storms,
And the desire to show kindness in our everyday living.
May your peace protect our minds and hearts, and help us all to be
A blessing,
In your name,
Amen
I was asked to do two Scripture readings in the Service, 1 Corinthians 13 and John 15 v 9-12. During the Reception speeches I proposed a toast to ‘absent friends’. Personally I was thinking of a son who is studying in England, and of my Dad who passed away last year.
Like most weddings there was a lot of laughter, and a few inevitable tears. Before the night was over I danced with my wife and daughters, my Mum, my brother and sister-in-law and a whole bunch of other family and friends.
It was a great day!
As we prayed grace and blessing in God’s holy name for the couple making their public vows before Him, I thought of this prayer, one of a number I’ve written recently.
I offer it here today for families of all sizes, shapes and descriptions. You are welcome to use it in whole or in part when you pray for yours.
Lord, I know that my family and me, we’re far from perfect, but thank you anyway.
Thank you for each other and for the unique bond that makes us ‘us’.
For the brilliant times we’ve shared, when we laughed ‘til we almost cried.
And for the times we’ve cried in pain, the proof that we really care.
Lord I know we don’t at times deserve it but thank you for your love.
For your faithful, patient hanging in with us when we feel so unsure about things.
For your giving of yourself that we might know forgiveness and this glorious possibility -
Of sharing love in your family for always.
So Lord, please accept this prayer, for parents, partners, children, siblings,
And those whose loyal friendship makes them as family to us:
For grace to trust and follow you, your spirit within and among all,
For wisdom in the wilderness,
Courage in the storms,
And the desire to show kindness in our everyday living.
May your peace protect our minds and hearts, and help us all to be
A blessing,
In your name,
Amen
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