Marriage is one of the most important and sacred institutions in human society. It is the union between two individuals who pledge to love, honor, and cherish each other until death do them apart. Marriage is not just a physical relationship but also a spiritual and emotional bond that brings two people together in a spiritual union.
The Book of Common Prayer, also known as the BCP, is the official prayer book of the Anglican Communion. It contains prayers, liturgies, and rituals for various occasions in the life of the church, including marriage. In this blog post, we will explore what the Book of Common Prayer states about marriage.
Marriage as a Sacred Covenant
The Book of Common Prayer views marriage as a sacred covenant between two individuals before God. It acknowledges that the union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy and comfort. The BCP states that marriage is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God.
When two people marry, they make a solemn promise before God and the congregation to be faithful and loving to each other until death. The couple acknowledges that God is the author of marriage and that the union is a gift from Him. The BCP recognizes that the bond of marriage is so strong that it should not be broken except for serious reasons.
The Purpose and Function of Marriage
The Book of Common Prayer acknowledges the different purposes and functions of marriage. The primary purpose of marriage is companionship and love. The couple pledges to love and cherish each other, through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. They are to support each other emotionally, mentally, and physically.
In addition to companionship and love, marriage is also intended for the procreation of children. The couple is encouraged to have children and to raise them in the fear and the knowledge of God. The BCP recognizes that children are a precious gift from God and should be nurtured and raised in a loving and supportive environment.
Marriage also has a social function. It forms the basic unit of society and provides stability and continuity. The BCP recognizes that marriage contributes to the social and economic well-being of society. Therefore, it encourages individuals to enter into marriage and to remain faithful to each other.
The Solemnization of Marriage
The solemnization of marriage is a sacred ceremony that is conducted in a church or a chapel. It is a public declaration of the couple’s love and commitment to each other before God and the congregation. In the Anglican Church, the priest or minister officiates the ceremony.
The Book of Common Prayer provides a liturgy that is used in the solemnization of marriage. The liturgy includes prayers, readings from the Bible, and the exchange of vows and rings. The priest also gives a homily or a sermon on the nature and purpose of marriage.
During the ceremony, the couple makes solemn promises before God and the congregation to love and cherish each other until death do them apart. They pledge to be faithful to each other and to support each other in all circumstances. The exchange of rings is a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Book of Common Prayer views marriage as a sacred covenant between two individuals before God. The BCP recognizes the different purposes and functions of marriage, including companionship, love, procreation, and social stability. It provides a liturgy that is used in the solemnization of marriage and acknowledges the importance of the ceremony.
Marriage is a gift from God, and it should be treated with reverence and respect. The couple should enter into it with seriousness and sincerity and should remain faithful to each other until death do them apart. The Book of Common Prayer provides guidance and support to couples on their journey of marriage and encourages them to seek God’s guidance and blessings at all times.
FAQ
What is the marriage vow in the Book of Common Prayer?
The Book of Common Prayer is a revered text in the Anglican and Episcopal Churches, providing guidance and liturgy for a variety of religious ceremonies and rituals. One of the most important of these is the marriage ceremony, which includes a set of vows that the couple makes to one another in front of witnesses and with the blessing of God.
The marriage vow in the Book of Common Prayer is a solemn and poetic statement of commitment that dates back to the 16th century. It begins with the phrase “People, praise to you, Lord Christ,” which acknowledges the divine presence in the ceremony and invites the congregation to participate in the celebration.
The vow itself is a pledge of love and devotion that is meant to last a lifetime. The bride and groom both say, “In the Name of God, I, N., take you, N., to be my husband/wife, to have and to hold from this day forward.” This phrase indicates that the couple is making a covenant with God, and that their promise to each other is based on a faith in His presence and His blessings.
The vow goes on to state that the couple will be united in all circumstances, not just the good times but also the difficult times. They promise to love and cherish each other “for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health.” This portion of the vow is a recognition that life is not always easy, but that a strong marriage is built on the willingness to support and care for each other no matter what challenges arise.
The final line of the marriage vow is a reminder that the couple’s commitment to each other is absolute and final. they promise to love and cherish each other “until we are parted by death, according to God’s holy Word.” This phrase acknowledges the ultimate truth of mortality and the belief that death does not end the bond of marriage, but rather transforms it into a spiritual union that transcends life itself.
The marriage vow in the Book of Common Prayer is a beautiful and powerful statement of love and devotion that underscores the profound meaning of the marriage ceremony. It provides a solemn and meaningful commitment that is rooted in faith, hope, and the bond between two loving partners.
