Blessing of Hands

Blessing of Hands

JOP:  and , please join hands and listen to what I am about to say.
Above you are the stars. Below you are the stones.
As time passes, remember: like a stone, your love should be firm.
Like the stars, your love should be constant.
Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage.
Let the strength of your wills bind you together.
Let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of
your dedication make you inseparable.
Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding.
Have patience with one another; storms will come, but they will pass quickly.

, please face  and hold his hands, palms up,
so you may see the gift that they are to you.
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 gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.
These are the hands that will 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 comfort you in illness and hold you when
fear or grief rack your mind. These are the hands that will tenderly life
your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes,
eyes that are filled completely with his love and desire for you.

, please hold ’s hands, palms up, where you may see
the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that are 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 and console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years
of lifetime and happiness. These are the hands that will hold you in joy
and excitement and hope. These are the hands that will give you support
as she encourages you to chase down your dreams.
Together everything you wish for can be realized.

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 grace,
rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for perfect unity.
May they see their four hands as healer,
protector, shelter, and guide.