Vow Renewal: Liturgies for the Non-Liturgical

The second installment of the series provides an outline for Christian vow renewals

A few years back I was asked to do a vow renewal for a couple who had recently become Christians in our church.  Their story is quite amazing and you can watch here:

I had never done (or been asked to do) a vow renewal so I had to start from scratch. Recently another couple, also new to the faith, had the same request (another amazing testimony you can view here!)



Both of these stories and requests for renewal had the same reason: God was not mentioned and was entirely left out of their original vows and wedding ceremony.

As God continues to transform lives and marriages and families within our church, I anticipate and look forward to doing more of these! Below is the template I've come up with so far. I hope it helps you when or if you come across a request for a vow renewal.

VOW RENEWAL TEMPLATE

Opening Prayer

Our Father, we come today to celebrate your grace and faithfulness in the lives of [NAMES}. Our prayer is simple and humble, that you would come and bless this marriage dedication and the renewal of the covenant made between [NAMES]. Amen.

The Story (Why We're Here)

Here you as the officiant can share the background of their story and testimony or other details about why they are renewing their vows. Or, the couple can share themselves why they are deciding the renew their vows.

Scripture Reading

Optional. As chosen by the couple or you. Could also be shared in the renewal below.

Vow Renewal

Now [NAMES} will share and renew their vows as well as share Scripture with us and one another. They do this in presence of Jesus as well as those gathered here to affirm and celebrate this renewal and dedication.

Here the couple will share new vows or renew vows, depending on the situation. In the two I've done they were new vows that reflected their new life in Christ.

Marriage Commitment

1. [NAMES], do you now commit to each other, before God and these witnesses, to live together in and under God’s design for a holy and healthy marriage? WE DO.

2. Do you promise to love and honor each other in covenant faithfulness, using as your example the way Christ loves us and his church? WE DO.

3. And do you vow to do these things, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, in riches or in poverty, according to God’s holy ordinance, as long as you both shall live? WE DO.

Congregational Vows of Support

[NAMES] have confessed their faith in God and made their vows to one another before God.

They would now like to ask you for your vows of support for them. They do this in humility, realizing that they cannot do this on their own nor does God desire for them to do this on their own—they need the support of their family, friends, and faith community.

When you accepted [NAMES] invitation to join them here today, you accepted also a very special responsibility and role in their lives. You have come here today not just to witness their renewal of vows and commitment to each other, but to show your own love, support, and commitment to them.

A marriage needs the support of a community, and so, if you are able and if you would like to vow your support to [NAMES], please stand at this time, and if you agree to the following questions please answer WE WILL!

You are the witnesses to this renewal of the marriage covenant and commitment being made today.

1. Will you do everything in your power to support and uphold this marriage and the vows that have been made? WE WILL.

2. If needed, will you listen and comfort them in times of hardship and will you offer loving and wise counsel when asked? WE WILL.

3. Will you celebrate with them, encourage them in their love, and remind them of what you have witnessed today and the joyous renewal of vows they have made? WE WILL.

(Re)Exchange or Rings (if applicable)

This is optional. The couple may or may not wish to re-exchange rings. In the last renewal I did they were "upgrading" their rings so we did an abbreviated giving and receiving of rings similar to a wedding.

Prayer for Couple

If it fits the context, you may want to have family and friends come gather around them for the prayer.

Father, you have witnessed the marriage renewal and dedication of this special couple. We ask that your blessing be upon their marriage and their life together as husband and wife. Enable [NAMES] to keep their vows and to have a fulfilling, rewarding marriage that witnesses to the world your love and grace.

Saturate their lives with your Holy Spirit. Teach them to enjoy life together, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and through His Spirit. Amen.

Declaration & Pronouncement

Inasmuch as [NAMES] have renewed their vows and recommitted their marriage to God in the presence of Jesus and these witnesses, I pronounce that their marriage is now fully dedicated to God Almighty, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

What God has joined together, let no one separate!
 

Go ahead and (re)kiss your bride!

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