Bidding Prayers  
(These prayers are just samples. You will need to create more for your particular situation, reflecting the kinds of marriages in your community eg inter-faith, inter-church, second marriages, etc)

Celebrant: Marriage is the foundation stone of the family. The health of our whole society depends on the health of family life. Let us pray that God will give every support to married couples in their vocation.

Reader: Let us pray for married couples, that their marriages will be a continuing source of grace and joy, that they will always be faithful, and that they will be able to reach out in love to others.
Lord, in your mercy

Response: Hear our prayer

Reader: Let us pray for all who are preparing for marriage. May they always appreciate the importance of their vocation and the powerful good that marriage will bring to their lives.
Lord, in your mercy

Response: Hear our prayer

Reader: Let us pray for all those who are divorced and separated or who face major problems in their marriages. May they receive grace to face their difficulties with courage and never to lose hope. May they always feel welcomed among us.
Lord, in your mercy

Response: Hear our prayer

Reader: Let us pray for those who are bereaved and for the children of broken marriages. May they always be aware of the abiding presence of God in their lives and may they be comforted by this love.
Lord, in your mercy

Response: Hear our prayer

Reader: Let us pray for all families. May children everywhere experience the love of God in their family life, and may their parents give them the security and happiness which they need.
Lord, in your mercy

Response: Hear our prayer

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