Reverend A. Childress

Let us pray:

"Father,

You ordained marriage for your children, and you gave us love.

We present to You Troy Dunbar and Lori Dearth, who come this day to be married.

May the covenant of love they make be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment.

God, We ask that You, give them the ability to keep the covenant they have chosen to make on this beautiful day.

When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength;

When there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love.

Amen.

Today we have gathered together to join Troy Dunbar and Lori Dearth in the spiritual union of marriage.

First I would like to give a moment to Lori and Troy

Lori*

Troy*

Thank you both for those beautiful heartfelt words.

Do you Troy, take this woman, Lori Dearth, to be your lawfully wedded wife, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Lori take this man Troy Dunbar to be your lawfully wedded husband, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Troy and Lori, I invite you to now exchange your vows and your rings as a commitment and token of your love for one another.

*(Vows)*

Troy, look into her eyes and into her heart and give to her your solemn vow.

Lori, I choose you as my wife. Today, I commit my life to you and our partnership in marriage. I promise to comfort you, to encourage you in all walks of life. I promise to express my thoughts and emotions to you and to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow. I ask you to wear this ring as a token of my love for you and to always remember my heart is forever yours faithfully from this day forward. *(Place ring on Lori's finger)*

Lori, look into his eyes and into his heart and give to him your solemn vow.

Troy, I choose you as my husband and partner in life. You are everything I need, and at this moment I know that all my prayers have been answered and that all of my dreams have come true. You are all that I desire in a partner, faithful, true, loving, and supportive. I will be these things to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a token of my love for you and to always remember my heart is forever yours faithfully from this day forward. *(Place ring on Troy's finger)*

*(Blessing of Hands and rings)*

Troy and Lori, please face each other and join together your left hands.

'Father, we pray to you today asking for your heavenly blessings upon these rings and upon Troy and Lori.

As these rings encircle their fingers, may your divine and constant love encircle their hearts.

They are merely symbols of the priceless commitment of this marriage.

May the blessings and power of the Holy Spirit be upon the wearers of these rings during the ups and downs of daily life.

May they travel life together as a family, joined together as one.

May their wisdom grow along with their knowledge of each other’s unique character and spirit. May there be grace in times of conflict, an ability to communicate during misunderstandings and a deep sense of belonging to each other.

May you protect them from all harm. Provide for their needs. Console them in their sorrows. Lift them with joy. Even when worn with age, may these rings forever shine as a testament to your ever present help through all seasons of life. We pray in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.

*(Unity)*

Today you have chosen to unite your marriage by braiding three strands together into a single cord.

Better known as God's Knot.

Each strand has a significant meaning.

*(Please begin braiding the three strands into one cord)*

The divinity of God is represented in the Silver cord. This covenant relationship is initiated by Him, will be built under His authority, and is intended to glorify Him.

As a new creation in Christ, the majesty of the Groom is represented in the Black cord. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love in the marriage relationship.

Having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in the Grey cord. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will nurture and strengthen the marriage relationship.

In braiding these three strands together, Troy and Lori have been woven together by God as one in marriage.

One man, one woman, and God. It was God who taught us to love.

By keeping him at the center of your marriage his love will continue to bind you together as one.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

"Father may you bless this union in Marriage between Lori and Troy.

Give them the eternal blessings of your love through your power and eternal embrace.

Amen

Troy... You may now FINALLY kiss your beautiful bride.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Wyoming I now pronounce you husband and wife!

*CONGRATULATIONS*

It is now my honor to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Troy and Lori Dunbar