Why Renew your Vows?
When you marry, you make a commitment, intending it to be for a lifetime. You
have a set of goals and you start off in the same direction. You open your
hearts to one another and you start your journey in a state of grace.
When you renew your vows you re-establish this intention. You identify and
set new goals, some of which enhance the originals. You also re-establish your
state of grace, reopening your hearts and minds to create a new beginning of
greater intimacy, intention, intensity and interaction. This assists you in
moving forward in life, still facing the same direction.
It is recommended that this happen every three to five years. Ideally this
would be an annual event. Just as any business reviews it's direction to
continue it's success, so too does your marriage deserve the same attention.
We know that health is easier to maintain than illness is to cure. Renewal is
one step to maintaining a healthy marriage.
Renewal of Vows Ceremony
 Friends, welcome to the renewal
of vows for ________ and ________.
Marriage is the form which you chose __________ years ago, to express and
live your love relationship. Today you are here to renew your commitment to each
other and to share with us the celebration of your love.
Robert Browning has written these lines: "Grow old along with me! The best is
yet to be; the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in His
hands who said, 'A whole I planned. Youth shows but half.' Trust God, see all,
nor be afraid."
 This is the beginning of a new
start. Once again you have set your focus on the next phase of your learning of
who you are, in the presence of one another. You are setting the direction that
your life together will be taking.
Today you renew and acknowledge your greatest gifts, your love, your support
and your caring for each other. Your partnership of the heart is reaffirmed,
cherished and held in high esteem. We honor you for your ongoing commitment to
your marriage and each other.
Let us pray; Lord, we thank you for this couple and all that has led them to
this day. As they renew their vows before You, assist them in living their
promise every day. If dark shadows come their way, shine Your light upon them,
so that they may carry out their commitment to one another. Be with them in
every moment. Guide them to infinite love, total health, unlimited joy and
perfect peace. We give thanks that it is done. Amen.
(Vows may be recited together or
separately. Personal vows may be written and inserted here.)
"I commit myself, once again, to our life together, honoring your mind,
your body and your spirit, as well as my own. I will continue to be your loving,
reflective and faithful partner, from this day forward."
(Blessing of the rings - optional)
These rings are made of precious metal, symbolizing the love that you hold in
your hearts right now. May they represent the perfect circle of love that is the
foundation of your marriage.
"With this ring, I honor you as my mate and promise to continue to honor,
love and cherish you as such.
I promised you once my love would grow and here I am again. I open my
heart to you this day, my dear and trusted friend. Now I know your strengths and
your weaknesses too. I choose gladly to spend my life with you."
May this ceremony today bring you even closer to each other (and to your
children). May this open new doors and allow new avenues for making your special
contribution to the world. May the foundation that you have laid be ever strong.
May your hearts stay open. May your words be loving and your actions support the
highest good for one and all.
 __________ and __________ you
have come today to honor your commitment to each other and the path you have
chosen. You have spoken the words and opened your hearts. It is with great
pleasure that I declare your marriage blessed.
You may kiss.
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