The Hymnal 1982 has some marriage texts, as well as some standards elsewhere in the hymnal that are appropriate for marriages. “Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling” is one good example. The following hymns have been written for weddings, so they are only appropriate at marriages.
Gracious One Whose Mercies Cascade
I was so happy to write this text for the marriage of two good friends, the Rev. Garrett Boyte and Ryan Eubanks. The occasion presented some challenges. First, many of our marriage hymns (and there aren’t many to begin with) assume a man and a woman. Second, this was an interfaith marriage that needed to be true to Christian theology around marriage but also respectful of Judaism. I think this text accomplishes that nicely. It is set to one of Garrett’s favorite tunes, St. Helena, and there are resonances with the text usually associated with that tune, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy.” The discerning reader will also notice references to one of the prayers at the blessing of the marriage in the Book of Common Prayer.
O Love, the Word of God that Spake
This hymn was written in honor of my own marriage. Much of it was written the night before my wedding to Molly on July 8, 2017, although some redacting has happened since then. As a prayer, this is a text I return to annually on my anniversary. The tune is Haydn’s lovely Creation, which is not currently in The Hymnal 1982.
This is a Christological hymn, meaning its focus is Christ, the Word, the second Person of the Holy Trinity, Love incarnate. This makes it unique among marriage hymns I know. And yet it is entirely appropriate. After all, it is the Word who speaks creation into being moment by moment, who laid down his life for those whom he loved, and who promises to return like a bridegroom to his bride. This hymn asks Christ to make a new creation out of this couple; to help the couple love sacrificially until the grave; and then, in a turn to the larger Church, to prepare us all for the Last Day.
O Love the Word of God that spake
the worlds to be and night to day:
Look down on these who vows now make
and give them grace in this new way.
O Love, the Word, eternal One;
O Love, our Lord, the only Son;
O Love, whose promised Reign shall come;
create in them one heart today.
O Love the Son of God above
who took on flesh the world to save:
Bless these who promise all their love
and on their hearts your love engrave.
O Love, the Word, eternal One;
O Love, our Lord, the only Son;
O Love, whose promised Reign shall come;
help them to love until the grave.
O Love our King whose promised Reign
is light and love and endless day:
For us let these two be a sign;
inspire our hearts and minds, we pray.
O Love, the Word, eternal One;
O Love, our Lord, the only Son;
O Love, whose promised Reign shall come;
prepare your Church for that great day!
Words: Mark Nabors (b. 1990)
Music: Creation, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
LMD
Storied Grace 