The Ministry of the Word

The Celebrant then says to the People:

The Lord be with you.

People

And also with you.

Celebrant:

Let us pray.

O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then one (or more) of the following passages from Holy Scripture is read. If there is to be a Eucharist, a passage from the Gospel always concludes the Readings.

• Gen. 1:26-28 (Male and female he created them)
• Gen. 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh)
• Song. 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love)
• Tobit 8:5b-8 (New English Bible) (That she and I may grow old together)
• 1 Cor. 13:1-13 (Love is patient and kind)
• Eph. 3:14-19 (The Father from whom every family is named)
• Eph. 5:1-2, 21-33 (Walk in love, as Christ loved us)
• Col. 3:12-17 (Love which binds everything together in harmony)
• 1 John 4:7-16 (Let us love one another, for love is of God)

Between the Readings, a psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate Psalms are 67, Ps. 127, and Ps. 128.

When a passage from the Gospel is to be read, all stand, and the Deacon or Minister appointed says:

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to  

People

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

• Matt. 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes)
• Matt. 5:13-16 (You are the light —. Let your light so shine)
• Matt. 7:21, 24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house upon the rock)
• Mark 10:6-9, 13-16 (They are no longer two but one)
• John. 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you)

After the Gospel, the Reader says:

The Gospel of the Lord.

People

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

A homily or other response to the Readings may follow.