Prayer is the glue that holds a marriage and a family together. Prayer comes in many forms, including: recited prayers, such as the Hail Mary; spontaneous prayer, as a husband and wife might say before bedtime; praying with Scripture; and that perfect prayer–the Mass.
The book, Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, is an excellent resource for your marriage as you explore the Catholic tradition of prayer. Here are some excerpts:
Blessing of an Engaged Couple
The betrothal of a Christian couple is a special occasion for their families, who should celebrate it together with prayer and a special rite. In this way, they ask God’s blessing that the happiness promised by the engagement will be brought to fulfillment. When the engagement is celebrated within the circle of the two families, one of the parents should preside.
When the families have gathered, all make the sign of the cross.
The leader greets those present in the following words:
Brothers and sisters, let us praise our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. Let us bless him now and forever.
R/. Blessed be God forever.
In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing.
We know that all of us need God’s blessing at all times; but at the time of their engagement to be married, Christians are in particular need of grace as they prepare themselves to form a new family.
Let us pray, then, for God’s blessing to come upon this couple: that as they await the day of their wedding, they will grow in mutual respect and in their love for one another; that through their companionship and prayer together they will prepare themselves rightly and chastely for marriage.
One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Listen to the words of the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians: 13:4-13
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, love is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things. At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known. So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Or John 15:9-12: This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.
The intercessions are then said.
Leader: God our Father has so loved us that in Christ he makes us his children and the witnesses of his love before the entire world. Let us, therefore, call upon him in all confidence, saying:
R/. Lord, help us to remain always in your love.
God our Father, you willed that your true children, brothers and sisters in Christ, should be known by their love for one another. R/.
You place upon us the sweet demands of love so that we may find happiness by responding to them. R/.
You call N. and N. to the communion of life and love that binds the Christian family together, mind and heart. R/.
The engaged couple may exchange rings or some other gift that signifies their pledge to each other.
One of the parents may bless these gifts:
N. and N., in due course may you honor the sacred pledge symbolized by these gifts which you now exchange.
R/. Amen.
The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined.
We praise you, Lord, for your gentle plan draws together your children, N. and N., in love for one another. Strengthen their hearts, so that they will keep faith with each other, please you in all things, and so come to the happiness of celebrating the sacrament of their marriage. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the God of love and peace abide in you, guide your steps, and confirm your hearts in his love, now and forever.
R/. Amen.
The blessing may conclude with a suitable song.
Prayer of a Future Husband
Adapted from Tobit 8:5-7
Blessed are you, O God of our ancestors, and blessed too is your name forever. Let the heavens bless you for evermore and all the things you have made. It was you who created Adam, you who created Eve his wife to be his help and support; and from these two the human race was born. It was you who said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.”
I take N. in sincerity of heart. Have mercy on her and on me and allow us to live together to a happy old age.
Prayer of a Future Wife
Adapted from Psalm 16
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the Lord, “My God are you. Apart from you I have no good.” I bless the Lord who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body abides in confidence.
You, O Lord, will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
Blessing of a Son or Daughter Before Marriage
In the days immediately before the wedding, the family may gather around its member who is to be married, perhaps at a special meal in the family’s home.
All make the sign of the cross. A parent begins:
Let us bless the Lord, by whose goodness we live and by whose grace we love one another. Blessed be God forever.
R/. Blessed be God forever.
Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the Book of Deuteronomy: 6:4-7
Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.
The parents may give a Bible or crucifix to the one who is to be married. Then all join in prayers of intercession for the couple to be married and for the world. After the Lord’s Prayer, the parents and other family members place their hands on the head of their son or daughter as one or both parents speak the blessing.
May the Lord, who gave you into our care and made you a joy to our home, bless you and keep you.
R/. Amen.
May the Lord, who turns the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, smile on you and be kind to you.
R/. Amen.
May the Lord, who delights in our love for one another, turn toward you and give you peace.
R/. Amen.
All make the sign of the cross as the leader concludes:
May the God of love and peace abide in you, guide your steps, and confirm your heart in his love, now and forever.
R/. Amen.
Table Blessing for Weddings
This blessing may be used before the meal at a wedding reception. A member of the wedding party or one of the parents of the newly married couple may serve as the leader.
When everyone has gathered at table and the meal is ready to be served, all make the sign of the cross.
Leader: Blessed be God who has brought us together in joy.
R/. Blessed be God forever.
The leader introduces the blessing in these or similar words:
We have gathered here to celebrate the love of N. and N. God has brought them together, and we pray that God will hold them in his love always. As the food we share will strengthen our bodies, may our time together strengthen the love that binds us.
After a time of silence, the leader prays:
Let us pray. Lord God, you sustain all creatures and never cease to give your children the food they need. We bless you for bringing us together in the love that unites us around this table where the food we take strengthens our bodies. We pray that, nourished by your Word, we may grow ever stronger in faith as we strive for the coming of your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Blessing on Anniversaries #1
When the household and friends have gathered, all make the sign of the cross.
The leader greets those present in the following words:
Blessed be the God of all consolation, who has shown us his great mercy. Blessed be God now and forever.
R/. Blessed be God forever.
In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing.
We have come together to celebrate the anniversary of the marriage of our brother and sister. As we join them in their joy, we join them also in their gratitude. God has set them among us as a sign of his love and through the years they have remained faithful (and have fulfilled their responsibilities as parents). Let us give thanks for all the favors N. and N. have received during their married life. May God keep them in their love for each other, so that they may be more and more of one mind and one heart.
One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture.
Listen to the words of the first Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 1:4-9
I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in him you were enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge, as the testimony to Christ was confirmed among you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
R/. Thanks be to God.
The intercessions are then said.
Leader: In the tender plan of his providence, God our almighty Father has given married love, its faithfulness, (and its fruitfulness,) a special significance in the history of salvation. Let us therefore call upon him, saying:
R/. Lord, hear our prayer.
Father all-holy, you have made marriage the great symbol of Christ’s love for his Church; bestow on these your servants the fullness of your own love. For this we pray: R/.
Father all-holy, the faithful one, you ask for and respond to fidelity to your covenant; fill with your blessings your servants who are celebrating their wedding anniversary. For this we pray: R/.
It is your will that all married life should be a lesson in Christian living; grant that all husbands and wives may be witnesses to the wonders of your Son’s love. For this we pray: R/.
The leader says the prayer of blessing with hands joined.
Lord God and Creator, we bless and praise your name. In the beginning you made man and woman, so that they might enter a communion of life and love. You likewise blessed the union of N. and N., so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them today. Amid the joys and struggles of their life you have preserved the union between them; renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace, so that (surrounded by their children) they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
Blessing on Anniversaries #2
Almighty and eternal God, you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage that it has become the sacramental sign of your Son’s union with the Church as his spouse. Look with favor on N. and N., whom you have united in marriage, as they ask for your help and the protection of the Virgin Mary. They pray that in good times and in bad they will grow in love for each other; that they will resolve to be of one heart in the bond of peace.
Lord, in their struggles let them rejoice that you are near to help them; in their needs let them know that you are there to rescue them; in their joys let them see that you are the source and completion of every happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:
May the God of hope fill us with every joy in believing. May the peace of Christ abound in our hearts. May the Holy Spirit enrich us with his gifts, Now and forever.
R/. Amen.
Exerpts from Blessings and Prayers for Home and Family (c) Concacan, Inc, 2004. Used and adapted by permission of the Canadian Conferene of Catholic Bishops.
Excerpts from the English translations of Book of Blessings (c) 1988, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved.
Bring prayer into your marriage! Use Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers to:
- Learn the “by-hearts”-the prayers that every Catholic needs to know by memory
- Practice the simple form of the Liturgy of the Hours as a family
- Celebrate the feasts and seasons of the Church year in ritual and prayer
- Bless the Advent wreath, Christmas crèche, and Easter foods
- Lead grace before and after meals
- Pray for family members
- Bless the home before a move and in times of trouble
Additional Resources:
- The Couple Prayer Series
- Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb (USCCB)
www.foryourmarriage.org
“We had a great experience. We were able to connect with each other on a deeper level than before, which was amazing. The content helped us understand what to expect in our married life and how to manage some possible challenges ahead” said one participant in the Start Smart: Level 3 Blessing Education seminar for engaged couples.
20 engaged couples from across the United States gathered in New York at the Unification Theological Seminary from December 18-20 to participate in the seminar hosted by the Blessing & Family Ministry. The content of the seminar was designed to help engaged couples prepare for the Marriage Blessing and their married life together. The curriculum featured valuable insights into the value of the Marriage Blessing and practical guidance on building one’s relationship, communication, male-female differences, and building intimacy. The content was presented by Unificationist Counselor and Marriage Educator, John Williams, and Marriage Educator and Relationship Coach, Debby Gullery.
On Saturday night, two Blessed Couples candidly shared their experience with the Marriage Blessing and married life. Branch and Naria Gaarder shared about the first few years of marriage, and then Victor and Andria Quesada shared about the growth of their love and connection over the years.
“It was a wonderful experience” said several of the couples. Much joy, laughter, and insights were shared between the couples and between the other participants throughout the weekend.
Here’s What Some Participants Had to Say
“This workshop was very useful for me. Being here together with my match was essential for me because I had so many questions that came up and just being here together with her made the experience very fulfilling.”
“It was an engaging and fun weekend experience with my match. The atmosphere was great because everyone was also a couple. I really liked that. It made me feel like I was connected to something bigger.”
“The workshop was great. The information given was useful, applicable, and relevant, and I had a lot of fun learning it and experiencing it all with my fiancé.”
“I really enjoyed this Level 3 Blessing Workshop. It was really nice to meet different couples going through the same things and to develop a deeper relationship with my spouse.”
“This was great. Initially, I felt that I would have already heard everything at some point in the past, that the requirement for the Blessing was arbitrary, and that I could spend the time and travel money on something better. But I had a life-changing time. I loved the talks, and I loved spending time with other soon-to-be couples. I feel revitalized in both my relationship with my fiancé and my faith in the Unification Church.”
“I had a wonderful experience at this Blessing workshop. The content was extremely relevant and useful, even when it didn’t yet apply to us. There were many things that I had wished to discuss before, but didn’t know how to approach the topic, or simply needed to have validated and reaffirmed. I felt that all the presenters were sincerely offering their real and practical experience. I also really valued the time to get to know other couples; it creates a sense of unity and bonding within our Blessing group, which in turn gave me a great sense of the beauty and potential of our movement’s future.”
“My impression is that our church as a movement believes in and celebrates couples receiving the Blessing. It is the beginning of new families, growth, struggles, and victories centered on our faith and love for God and True Parents. Navigating through it is a big deal and it won’t always be easy. So I’m grateful that we’ve had this opportunity to receive guidance and tools, as well as meet other couplesho will be going through it as well.”
“Everything was so clear and based on reality. I learned many important things before receiving the Blessing. It was a great time to honestly discuss many things with my spouse.”
bfm.familyfed.org
“This was an absolutely wonderful experience. My fiancé and I truly deepened our relationship with each other. Thank you for having this kind of education. I would love to share this content with my friends” said one participant of this month’s “Start Smart” marriage education seminar for engaged couples.
Around 40 engaged couples gathered in California and New York in January to participate in the Blessing & Family Ministry’s “Start Smart: Growing as a Couple” Level 3 Blessing Education Seminar.
The content of the seminar was designed to help engaged couples prepare for the Marriage Blessing and married life. It featured valuable insights into the meaning and value of the Marriage Blessing and practical guidance on building one’s relationship, communication, male-female differences, and building intimacy. The content was presented by Unificationist Counselor and Marriage Educator, John Williams, and the Marriage Educator and Relationship Coach, Debby Gullery.
View Photos
Two experienced Blessed Couples shared their marriage experience with everyone.
We interviewed them briefly:
Seung Kook & Sunmarie Burns Sunkwon & Naomi Bush
Here’s what some participants had to say…
“This education is essential for all couples – I think this should be taught in schools. It gave us insight and tools to prepare for the next part of our lives. I love how the focus is completely about how to have the happiest marriage possible”
“One thing that was really great was being able to bond with other couples. My fiancé and I had a lot of great experiences making new friends and strengthening old bonds with other couples. We were grateful to make new friends going forward in this new phase of our lives.”
“It was thoroughly enjoyable, interesting, and very informative. I really believe that the things I learned will help both now and down the road.”
“The content, most importantly, was well thought out and helpful. It provided an opportunity not only to receive practical tips but a space for discussing important topics.”
“The presentations were very helpful. They helped clear up tension between my fiancé and I, and gave us tools to better and safely communicate with one another. Having discussions about sex in facilitated groups was also helpful. It made sex less of a mystical and scary thing.”
“I loved this workshop. I felt there were many moments where I felt a “lightbulb’ go off and I had a good amount of time to share my inspirations with my fiancé.”
“I really loved this program! No matter what stage you are at in a relationship, it can be very insightful and eye-opening experience. There were many things I knew conceptually, but it helped herding it in person from people I can respect, trust and look up to. Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of workshops, but I really enjoyed this!”
“The workshop was very inspiring and very useful in our married life. I think this workshop is the best opportunity for couples to understand each other’s differences.”
“This workshop is so awesome and so helpful. I wish it was available for everyone – parents, non-religious friends, everyone! It can also be an awesome witnessing tool to introduce people to the Unification faith.”
“This entire workshop helped remind me how beautiful our Unification tradition of marriage is. It also helped me learn how I can be more considerate to my future spouse.”
Photos by Madison Dickson
bfm.familyfed.org
Many congratulations on tying the knot! May today be the just the beginning of a happy life together. Wish you both a prosperous future ahead.
This day is special for both of us, we will cherish all the moments of this day forever during our marriage.
Finally the day has arrived when I will get engaged to you. We are not only getting engaged, we will be binding our soul together for our love to reach highest height in the heaven.
We both shall attach invincible connection between our hearts on this day, when we make each other wear the rings.
Our love will finally reach it’s destination today! Cannot wait any longer to become your soul mate.
I will enter your heart today as you make me wear the ring, and I will stau safest with love in the enclosure of your arms.
May Almighty bestow his blessings upon the token of love that your husband will give you today. Begin your journey of love with full joy!
Cherish the precious ring also be responsible of preserving it, as it symbolizes the bond of love between you two.
With blessings from all of us, may the journey of your love life be full of support and trust for each other. Have a blissful engagement day!
I feel sad thinking that you will leave soon, but also I am the happiest by thinking that you are being engaged to someone who loves you more than anything.
I have no worries about you getting engaged, as I know that your soul mate will always stick to you like your shadow, protecting you from all the odds of life. Congratulations!
Browse More : Engagement Wishes For Sister
Engagement Wishes for Husband
Seeing the dream of our togetherness come true is overwhelming my heart by thinking about the beautiful journey of love that will begin today.
Today our soul is getting bonded forever, I promise to support you during hard times and to be your strength forever.
As we are about to ride the boat for accomplishing the journey of love, we will face a lot ups and downs but we will face it all together.
Along with sharing days of our life together, I promise to share with you my confidence, strength, happiness and everything that belongs to me is yours.
From today onwards, along with sharing the bond of love we will take care of each other’s loved ones and take up responsibilities to look after them, equally.
Engagement Wishes for Brother
You will be taking up responsibility of the woman of your life by getting engaged today. Take the responsibility sincerely. My best wishes are with you.
As you get engaged today, make a promise of demolishing any reason that brings tears in the eyes of your wife. Congratulations to you both!
May your marriage life be filled with bliss and trust, the instant you both exchange rings. Have a great marriage life ahead!
May you get all the blessings of all the angels of the heaven, so that you can begin the journey of companionship with bliss.
Enjoy today’s special day whole heartedly and preserve all the moments in your memory, specially the memory of exchanging the rings.
Browse More : Engagement Wishes For Brother
Funny Engagement Wishes
I am very happy to know that you guys are engaged now. I will get a chance to buy a new dress and eat tasty foods. Congratulation. Get married soon.
So you are engaged now. I will have a new place to go and hang out. I am so excited about this. Congratulation dear.
I am happy for your engagement news. I hope now you will learn cooking and cleaning. I will be your first guest to taste your food. Wish you a happy married life.
Getting engaged is like putting a down payment on a mortgage which you will be a lifetime liability. Be more careful!
There are two ways to get jailed for life. One is to commit a bad crime and the second is to get hitched. Congratulations for choosing the latter.
Congratulations for finally getting the right to officially love and annoy your partner for the rest of your life.
Technically and traditionally, engagement is known as the promise to marry. But practically it is known as the promise and first step to lifelong slavery. Carry on!
There are two types of couples. The first type is the couple who fights and argues after getting engaged. The second type… is yet to be discovered.
Engaged is a synonym for busy. Now you can officially ward off your friends and family from disturbing you because you are ‘engaged.’ Best of luck!
People celebrate when they get out of prison. But you are celebrating the fact that you are turning yourself in, for life. Congratulations nevertheless.
Engagement Text Messages
May your engagement day be blessed by the blessings of the Almighty and by the prayer of your loved ones.
It is so beautiful and inspiring to see such an amazing couple getting engaged. I am so happy for you both!
I wish for the smiles of you two last forever brightening your lives. Congratulations for your togetherness!
I pray that the sheen of your rings, shine through the lives of you both brightening up your marriage life. Sending my heartfelt wishes for you both!
You both have successfully reached to the day of your souls getting bonded. My best wishes and blessings will always be with you.
Seeing you both getting engaged, is making me the happiest. Always cherish your togetherness through out
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Happy Engagement Greetings
For a lovely couple who shares a love as colorful as a rainbow and as deep as the ocean. Happy engagement! I am thrilled for you both!
As you both step into a new journey, may you get the best of what life can offer. Keep loving each other. Happy engagement!
Happy thoughts to you both in this time of your engagement. May love be with you always.
The love you share is pure and beautiful. This is my warm wish to the world’s most wonderful couple. May your love for each other eternally grow.
A relationship is like a house. When a light bulb burns out you do not go and buy a new house, but you fix the light bulb.
May the years to come be filled with blessings, love, and happiness for you both.
I can’t think of anyone else who loves and looks at each other the way you two do. Happy engagement day, I am so proud of you!
Some knots are meant to be tied forever. Have a sweet and smooth journey towards eternity holding each other’s hand.
I heard the happy news of your engagement! So happy to know you have found love. Have a happy life ahead!
To a cute and wonderful couple: may you have a happy and blessed life ahead of you. I am so thrilled to hear your news. Be happy!
Engagement Wishes From Parents
My dear son/daughter, heartiest congratulation on being engaged with your loved one and stepping into the most important phase of life. Love and blessings to you.
Congratulation my child. We are happy to see you settling down. You guys are made for each other. Our blessings are with you. We are excited to see you two become a family!
May God shower our child with his divine love and blessings. May good fortune follows your every step wherever you go. Wishing you the best of things as you going to build a new life together.
My dear daughter/son. Oh, you have grown up now. I can’t express my feelings and joys on your engagement. My prayer is always with you my girl/boy.
We wish you heartiest congratulation for your engagement. We are proud to know that you have found your soul mate. Wish you a happy married life.
We are very happy on your engagement. We are sending thousands of love and blessings for you both. May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine.Congratulation.
It is a very emotional feeling to see our kids getting married. We are very much happy. We are sending best wishes and prayers for you both. All the best.
Engagement Card Messages
We’re really excited that you’ve taken the next step! May your future together be a bright and happy one. All the best!
After so much waiting and anticipating two hearts unite for a single beating. May you find love, joy, peace and contentment.
The news of your engagement is certainly a wonderful one. I am glad for you. You’re two wonderful people who make a great couple. Keep loving each other.
It all started in a sweet spark. Then it grew into love. May you cherish every moment as one couple. Wishing you all the best to share with one another.
We’re really excited to be celebrating your engagement! May your love for one another only grow stronger. Lots of love.
May all your dreams come true. Tons of happiness too. To cherish each other as lovers do these I simply wish for both of you.
May your engagement signify the start of something really great. Wishing you a wonderful and happy life together. Lots of love.
I’m glad you’re trying each other’s knots for good. You’ll be exchanging sacred vows soon. May God bless you in abundance and blessing to walk in faith, unity and love everlasting.
Read More : Engagement Wishes For Sister
You’re two wonderful people who make a great couple! Wishing you all the best with the lead-up to the wedding and for the future. Lots of love.
Cheers to an eternal commitment. A strong bond as husband and wife. To love and to cherish each other forever singing sweet hymns of love together. I’m happy to see you finally engaged.
Dear, we hope that you have enjoyed this post of engagement wishes and messages which are too cute to send warm engagement greetings and congratulate your close ones on their happy moment of engagement.
www.wishesmsg.com
