Notes for Chaplains

With a hymn book, this booklet contains all that is needed for a conservative presentation of the Common Worship Marriage Service. The order complies with the expectations of many, and places the Liturgy of the Word after the Marriage.

Unless the Responsive Prayer inside the back cover is used, the congregation is not required to say anything but “Amen”. This booklet is primarily for the convenience of  the minister; but as  it remains small and easy to follow, it may be placed in the hands of congregations.

COMMON WORSHIP  ©  ARCHBISHOPS' COUNCIL

The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department

Holy Matrimony

Common Worship

Pastoral Introduction

This may be read by those present before the service begins.

A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana, and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine.
Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses.
On this their wedding day the bride and bridegroom face each other, make their promises and receive God’s blessing. You are witnesses of the marriage, and express your support by your presence and your prayers. Your support does not end today: the couple will value continued encouragement in the days and years ahead of them.

Love is patient; 
love is kind; 
love is not envious or boastful 
or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way;
it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, 
but rejoices in the truth. 
It bears all things,
believes all things, 
hopes all things, 
endures all things.
                1 Corinthians 13.4-7

Responsive Prayer
This form may used.
Faithful God,
holy and eternal,
source of life and spring of love,
we thank and praise you for bringing N and N to this day,
and we pray for them.
Lord of life and love:
All 	hear our prayer.
May their marriage be life-giving and life-long,
enriched by your presence and strengthened by your grace;
may they bring comfort and confidence to each other
in faithfulness and trust.
Lord of life and love:
All 	hear our prayer.
May the hospitality of their home
bring refreshment and joy to all around them;
may their love overflow to neighbours in need
and embrace those in distress.
Lord of life and love:
All 	hear our prayer.
May they discern in your word
order and purpose for their lives;
and may the power of your Holy Spirit
lead them in truth and defend them in adversity.
Lord of life and love:
All 	hear our prayer.
May they nurture their family with devotion,
see their children grow in body, mind and spirit
and come at last to the end of their lives
with hearts content and in joyful anticipation of heaven.
Lord of life and love:
All 	hear our prayer.
These prayers conclude with the Lord’s Prayer on page 10.