Lord thank you for this happy day,
And praise the kind and mighty way
You brought this pair to love and grow
Through plans you purposed long ago.
We sense your gracious, guiding hand
In joining them that they might band
Together in your cause of love;
For covenant comes from above.
And so through Christ, our Hope, we pray
You bless them in broadest way
Their love and service may abound
To make your Name the more renowned.
Lord grant them health and strength this day
That they might run the race and stay
Protected safely in this life
From evil, hurt, disease and strife.
Remember to pour out your grace
In every trial that they face,
And give them wisdom, skill, and might
With courage to contend for right.
Provide them means so needs be met,
Not just their own, but further yet
To help the poor, and there perceive
The wealth that giving does receive.
Lord, grant them sweet and loving speech,
And may such fruit abide in each
That faithfulness secures the day
When tensions tempt their hearts to stray.
Let children come in time we pray,
And with them insight that they may
Instruct each in way of grace,
So gospel truth they will embrace.
Oh Father of the family tree,
Root now these lives in unity;
And let the heavens sing along
With us in praise through joyful song.
To Mike and Jocelyn with love on their wedding day, May 28, 2011.
Our wonderful son Michael married the wonderful Jocelyn Faith Wallwork on May 28th. At the end of the ceremony between the songs "There Is No One Like Our God" (Steve and Vicki Cook) and "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" (lyrics by H.J. Van Dyke to the famous 9th Symphony melody by Beethoven) they asked me to pray for them. Mike hinted that he wouldn't mind if it were poetic, so I took the hint and worked my thoughts into this poem. I did my best to form a bridge the two songs as well as communicate my hopes and prayers for them. Lord, bless them with joy according to your unsearchable greatness. Amen.
