Why Renew your
Vows?
When you marry, you make a commitment, intending it to be for
a lifetime. You have a set of goals and you start off in the
same direction. You open your hearts to one another and you
start your journey in a state of grace.
When you renew your vows you re-establish this intention. You
identify and set new goals, some of which enhance the
originals. You also re-establish your state of grace,
reopening your hearts and minds to create a new beginning of
greater intimacy, intention, intensity and interaction. This
assists you in moving forward in life, still facing the same
direction.
It is recommended that this happen every three to five years.
Ideally this would be an annual event. Just as any business
reviews it's direction to continue it's success, so too does
your marriage deserve the same attention.
We know that health is easier to maintain than illness is to
cure. Renewal is one step to maintaining a healthy marriage.
Renewal of Vows Ceremony
Friends, welcome to the renewal of vows for ________ and
________.
Marriage is the form which you chose __________ years ago, to
express and live your love relationship. Today you are here to
renew your commitment to each other and to share with us the
celebration of your love.
Robert Browning has written these lines: "Grow old along with
me! The best is yet to be; the last of life, for which the
first was made. Our times are in His hands who said, 'A whole
I planned. Youth shows but half.' Trust God, see all, nor be
afraid."
This is the beginning of a new start. Once again you have set
your focus on the next phase of your learning of who you are,
in the presence of one another. You are setting the direction
that your life together will be taking.
Today you renew and acknowledge your greatest gifts, your
love, your support and your caring for each other. Your
partnership of the heart is reaffirmed, cherished and held in
high esteem. We honor you for your ongoing commitment to your
marriage and each other.
Let us pray; Lord, we thank you for this couple and all that
has led them to this day. As they renew their vows before You,
assist them in living their promise every day. If dark shadows
come their way, shine Your light upon them, so that they may
carry out their commitment to one another. Be with them in
every moment. Guide them to infinite love, total health,
unlimited joy and perfect peace. We give thanks that it is
done. Amen.
(Vows may be recited together or separately. Personal vows may
be written and inserted
here.)
"I commit myself, once again, to our life together,
honoring your mind, your body and your spirit, as well as my
own. I will continue to be your loving, reflective and
faithful partner, from this day forward."
(Blessing of the rings - optional)
These rings are made of precious metal, symbolizing the love
that you hold in your hearts right now. May they represent the
perfect circle of love that is the foundation of your
marriage.
"With this ring, I honor you as my mate and promise to
continue to honor, love and cherish you as such.
I promised you once my love would grow and here I am again.
I open my heart to you this day, my dear and trusted friend.
Now I know your strengths and your weaknesses too. I choose
gladly to spend my life with you."
May this ceremony today bring you even closer to each other
(and to your children). May this open new doors and allow new
avenues for making your special contribution to the world. May
the foundation that you have laid be ever strong. May your
hearts stay open. May your words be loving and your actions
support the highest good for one and all.
__________ and __________ you have come today to honor your
commitment to each other and the path you have chosen. You
have spoken the words and opened your hearts. It is with great
pleasure that I declare your marriage blessed.
You may kiss.
|
