Here by your grace, O Lord

HYMN FOR THE RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS

Here by your grace, O Lord, we stand together
to celebrate the love that, through the years,
kept us and bound us faithful to each other,
through health and sickness, laughter, joy and tears.

As once we stood in mutual dedication,
pledging our love till death should make us part,
so now again, within this congregation,*
vows are renewed by every loving heart.

Lord, you have shown us love that's never ending:
self-giving love that's strong and deep and true.
May that same love, all human love transcending,
draw us still deeper into love for you.

We thank you, Lord, for what the years have brought us:
home, family, friends - for these we bring our praise.
Now for the future may your grace support us,
still bound in love until the end of days.

*Alternative v2 line 3: so now again, before this congregation

Brian Hoare (b. 1935)
© Brian Hoare, admin. The Jubilate Group
Metre: 11 10 11 10
Tunes: O PERFECT LOVE; HIGHWOOD