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I went to a Catholic wedding over a year ago that incorporated this lovely prayer into the ceremony.  Is anyone else doing this? If so, when are you doing it?

The Hands of the Bride and Groom Bride’s name, please face Groom’s name, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. (Bride and groom should be facing each other, the groom’s upturned hands resting in the brides’.) 

These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life 

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within your womb

These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you

Groom’s name, please hold Bride’s name’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. (Bride should now place her upturned hands in the Groom’s hands

These are the hands, smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. 

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it’s time to let go 

These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings, after you’ve both had a long hard day 

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.< 

They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness 

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child; that together you have created a new life

Perhaps these are the hands that will comfort you when you are told you cannot have a child, and will convince you that together you will create new life in other ways 

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. 

Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May Bride’s name and Groom’s name see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and forever. Amen.