Wedding ceremonies are not only about the exchange of vows and rings, but also about the emotions and feelings surrounding such a special occasion. One of the most touching and beautiful traditions in wedding ceremonies is the reading of wedding poems and prayers. There are countless wedding prayers that exist, but one of the most popular and well-known is the wedding prayer by Robert L Stevenson.
In this blog post, we will take a deep dive into the history and meaning of the wedding prayer by Robert L Stevenson, which has been recited at countless wedding ceremonies around the world.
Who was Robert L Stevenson?
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, born in Edinburgh on November 13, 1850. His most famous works include Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and A Child’s Garden of Verses. Stevenson was known for his ability to write captivating stories that kept readers on the edge of their seats.
Although primarily known for his fiction work, Stevenson also wrote several poems, one of which was the wedding prayer that we are discussing in this post. The prayer was first published in 1887 in his book “Underwoods”.
The Wedding Prayer by Robert L Stevenson
The wedding prayer by Robert L Stevenson is a beautiful and touching piece that captures the essence of love and commitment in a marriage. Here is the full text of the prayer:
“Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank thee for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth.
Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind. Spare us to our friends, soften us to our enemies. Bless us, if it may be, in all our innocent endeavors. If it may not be, give us the strength to encounter that which is to come, that we be brave in peril, constant in tribulation, temperate in wrath, and in all changes of fortune loyal and loving one to another.
As the clay to the potter, as the windmill to the wind, as children of their sire, we beseech of thee this help and mercy for Christ’s sake.”
The Meaning Behind the Wedding Prayer
At its core, the wedding prayer by Robert L Stevenson is a call for gratitude, hope, and strength in the face of adversity. It acknowledges that life is full of both joys and challenges, and that it takes courage and determination to face them with grace and dignity.
One of the key themes of the prayer is the importance of family, both biological and chosen. It recognizes that the people we love, whether they are friends or family members, are the ones who make life worth living. It also emphasizes the need for loyalty, love, and support among family members, especially in times of hardship.
Another important theme of the prayer is the importance of faith. Although the prayer does not explicitly mention any particular religion, it is clear that the author believed in a higher power and that he believed that faith can provide guidance, strength, and comfort in difficult times.
Finally, the prayer expresses a hopeful outlook on life. It recognizes that even in the face of challenges and uncertainty, there is always something to be grateful for. Whether it is the love of friends and family, good health, or the beauty of the natural world, there is always something to hold onto, something to give us hope.
Conclusion
The wedding prayer by Robert L Stevenson is a beautiful and timeless piece that captures the essence of love, family, and faith. Whether you are getting married, attending a wedding, or simply looking for inspiration and guidance in your own life, this prayer has something to offer. It is a reminder that life is full of both joys and challenges, and that it takes courage, love, and gratitude to navigate it successfully.
FAQ
What is a short wedding blessing prayer?
A wedding is a special event that marks the union of two people in a loving relationship. It is a momentous occasion that is often celebrated through rituals and traditions that reflect the values and beliefs of both families involved. An essential aspect of a wedding is the wedding blessing prayer. Wedding blessing prayers can be long or short, formal or informal, and can be personalized to reflect the couple’s unique beliefs and values.
A short wedding blessing prayer is a brief invocation or request for God’s blessings upon the couple. It is an opportunity to ask God to guide the couple’s union and to bless them with love, trust, joy, and happiness throughout their lives. The prayer can be recited during the wedding ceremony or at any time during the wedding festivities.
A short wedding blessing prayer often includes words of encouragement, hope, and inspiration. It may ask for God’s blessing to be upon the couple and their families, as well as their friends and loved ones who are attending the wedding. It may also ask God to bless the union with good health, prosperity, and a long and happy life together.
The wedding blessing prayer may also be personalized to reflect the couple’s unique spiritual or cultural heritage. It can be written in a way that reflects the couple’s values and beliefs, or it may include words from a favorite religious text or prayer. It may also be composed in a way that is both meaningful and inspiring to the couple and their families.
A short wedding blessing prayer is a brief yet powerful request for God’s blessings upon the couple as they start their life together. It reflects the solemnity and joy of the occasion and provides an opportunity for the couple and their families to seek God’s guidance and blessings. It can be personalized to the couple’s unique beliefs and values, and may include words of hope, encouragement, and inspiration.
What do you say at the beginning of a wedding ceremony?
The beginning of a wedding ceremony is a time of anticipation and excitement as guests eagerly await the joining-together of two people in holy matrimony. The ceremony typically begins with the guests being seated, followed by the entrance of the bridal party.
Once everyone is in place, it is common for the person officiating the wedding, whether it be a religious or civil ceremony, to begin with a statement acknowledging the purpose of the gathering.
One common opening phrase that is often used is, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God to witness and bless this union as [Name] and [Name] join together in holy matrimony.” This statement is typically followed by a brief message about the sanctity of marriage and the importance of the commitment the couple is making to one another.
Other variations of the opening statement exist, depending on the style of the ceremony and the beliefs of the couple and their families. Some couples may choose to have a personalized message or reading included at the beginning of the ceremony, rather than a traditional opening statement.
Regardless of the exact words used, the beginning of a wedding ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the celebration and is an integral part of the day’s events. It is a time where family and friends come together to witness the love between two people as they begin their journey as a married couple.
What is the welcome and invocation at a wedding?
The welcome and invocation are two important elements of a wedding ceremony that set the tone for the rest of the ceremony. The welcome is usually given by the officiant or celebrant and serves as an introduction to the ceremony. It is a way of greeting all the guests who have gathered to witness the union of two people. The welcome is also an opportunity to thank everyone for their attendance and express appreciation for their love and support.
The invocation, on the other hand, is a formal prayer that invokes the presence of God or a higher power. It is a way of seeking the divine blessing on the wedding ceremony and the couple who are getting married. In some denominations, the invocation is a required part of the ceremony, while in others it is optional.
The prayer usually includes elements of praise, gratitude, and requests for blessings. The celebrant may begin the prayer with words such as “Creator,” “Lord,” or “God of love,” acknowledging the divine power or presence. The prayer may also thank God for bringing the couple together and expressing gratitude for the love and joy that is being celebrated.
The invocation may also include requests for guidance, wisdom, and strength for the couple as they embark on their new journey together. The celebrant may ask for the couple to be blessed with good health, prosperity, and happiness. The prayer may also seek protection for the couple and their families and ask for any obstacles or challenges to be removed.
The invocation is usually said near the beginning of the ceremony, after the welcome and any introductory remarks. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the occasion and the importance of the vows that are being exchanged. In many cases, the invocation sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of the union and reminding everyone of the significance of the moment.
The welcome and invocation at a wedding are important elements of the ceremony that acknowledge the presence of the guests and seek the divine blessing on the couple. The welcome expresses gratitude and appreciation for the love and support of family and friends. The invocation is a formal prayer that asks for God’s presence, blessings, and guidance for the couple. Together, these elements help make the wedding ceremony a spiritual and meaningful experience for all involved.