General Chat

Good morning :-)

So what’s the meaning of the joining of right hands during the marriage ceremony?
In biblical times, in the blood covenant, the two individuals would join together the bleeding palms of their right hands. When their blood mixed, they would exchange a vow, forever promising all of their rights and resources to the other.

In a wedding, as the bride and groom face one another to say their vows, they join right hands and publicly commit everything they are, and everything they possess, in a covenant relationship. They leave their families, forsake all others, and become one with their spouse.

“I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage…..”

Whilst the Bible is silent about any tokens of love or devotion used in marriage ceremonies, Jesus underscored the importance of marriage as a lifelong commitment by referring back to God's institution of the marriage covenant (Matthew 19:4 - 6).

The use of a ring in a wedding most likely came from an old Roman custom that predates Christianity. At a time when arranged marriages were quite common, this token was likely a pledge to fulfil the marriage contract.

The ring is seen as an unending circle of love – a reminder of the promises made between the couple.

“Heavenly Father, as these rings encircle their fingers, may your divine and constant love encircle their hearts. Thank you that the value of these rings far surpasses that of gold and diamonds. They are merely symbols of the priceless commitment of this marriage covenant. May the blessings and power of the Holy Spirit be upon the wearers of these rings during the ups and downs of daily life.” Amen.

Love to all, Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I agree Vera - we do tend to just accept a lot of things without realising the significance behind it don't we? Rather like this...…..


Why does the father of the bride escort her down the aisle?

In Jewish tradition, it was the father's duty to present his daughter in marriage as a pure virgin bride. The parents also took responsibility for endorsing their daughter's choice in a husband. The ‘giving away’ of a bride shows that the parents are happy to transfer the care and responsibility to the new husband.

Why a white wedding dress and veil?

The white dress has a two-fold significance. It is a symbol of the wife's purity in heart and life, and her reverence to God.

Similarly, the veil shows the modesty and purity of the bride and it also reminds us of the temple veil which was torn in two when Jesus died on the cross. The removing of the veil took away the separation between God and man. Since

Christian marriage is a picture of the union between Christ and the church, we see another reflection of this relationship in the removal of the bridal veil.

Lord,
the source of all true love,
we pray for all engaged couples.
Grant to them
joy of heart,
seriousness of mind
and reverence of spirit,
that as they enter into the oneness of marriage
they may be strengthened and guided by you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Cx :-)

An interesting theme again this week Cynthia. I certainly hadn't realised the origins or significance of some of our wedding traditions.

If you are looking in Kandj, I hope things are getting just a little less difficult for you. You are still in our thoughts <3

Good morning :-)

Two more interesting facts about Christian marriage services.

Seating of the Parents
In Bible times, the parents of the bride and groom were ultimately responsi-ble for discerning God's will concerning the choice of a spouse for their chil-dren. The wedding tradition of seating the parents in a place of prominence is meant to recognize their responsibility for the couple's union.

Groom Enters First
Ephesians 5:23-32 reveals that earthly marriages are a picture of the church's union with Christ. God initiated the relationship through Christ, who called and came for ‘his bride, the church’. Christ is the Groom, who established the blood covenant first initiated by God. For this reason, the groom enters the church auditorium first.

Lord, we pray for those who are engaged to be married. We thank you for the blessing of parents, family and friends who love and support them as they contemplate their future together. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Bride or Groom? That’s the question you are usually asked when you enter church for a wedding. But why?

One reason is, that long ago, the right arm was considered the sword arm of most fighting men. If a man had to protect his bride, he would hold her with his left hand, and fight off attackers with his right arm, so having his right arm free was an important strategy.

This tradition is followed today by when facing the officiant, having the bride and her family and friends to the left, and the groom and his family and friends to the right.

Lord Jesus Christ,
who by your presence and power brought joy to the wedding at Cana:
bless those engaged to be married,
that there may be truth at the beginning of their lives together,
unselfishness all the way, and perseverance to the end.
May their hopes be realized and their love for each other deepen and grow,
that through them your name may be glorified. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We are still in the throes of the excitement of the royal wedding, so lets take a look at just what IS Christian Marriage and what’s behind some of the traditions we now take for granted?

Christian Marriage honours God above all else

Christian marriage is more than a contract; it's a covenant relationship with God. As Christians, it's important to focus on the purpose of marriage.

The biblical example encourages believers to enter into marriage in a way that honours God's covenant relationship, submits to the laws of God first and then the laws of the land, and gives a public demonstration of the holy commitment that is being made. For this reason, we see symbols of the covenant God made with Abraham in many of to-day's Christian wedding traditions. We’ll take a look at some of these traditions during this week….

Lord, we pray for those who are preparing for Christian marriage. We ask that not only would their love for each other grow stronger, but they would become more and more aware of your great love for them. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We are still in the throes of the excitement of the royal wedding, so lets take a look at just what IS Christian Marriage and what’s behind some of the traditions we now take for granted?

Christian Marriage honours God above all else

Christian marriage is more than a contract; it's a covenant relationship with God. As Christians, it's important to focus on the purpose of marriage.

The biblical example encourages believers to enter into marriage in a way that honours God's covenant relationship, submits to the laws of God first and then the laws of the land, and gives a public demonstration of the holy commitment that is being made. For this reason, we see symbols of the covenant God made with Abraham in many of to-day's Christian wedding traditions. We’ll take a look at some of these traditions during this week….

Lord, we pray for those who are preparing for Christian marriage. We ask that not only would their love for each other grow stronger, but they would become more and more aware of your great love for them. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I really enjoyed the wedding yesterday and the sermon from Bishop Michael Curry was well, amazing! :-D I will post the link so anyone who is interested can read it in full. Its not actually that long!

Today is a special day within the church - its Pentecost - the coming of the Holy Spirit.


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

God, who at this time taught the hearts of your faithful people
by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:
grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgement in all things
and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;
through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Gospel reading is the story of Jesus telling his disciples that he must leave them so that the Holy Spirit may come and guide them into all truth.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-44186049


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

And the day of the Royal Wedding has arrived! I know people get bored and fed up with all the coverage, but just seeing the excitement and happiness in Windsor must surely cheer most folk up. I love Happy. :-D


The Church of England has offered a special prayer for today.....

God of love,
send your blessing upon Harry and Meghan
and all who are joined in marriage,
that, rejoicing in your will
and continuing under your protection,
they may both live and grow in your love all their days,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Enjoy the day!

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you Emma....... <3


God’s children

God created all the creatures for land and sea and sky
And he chose us as his children but I sometimes wonder why
All other creatures live their lives and never cause him pain
But with sinful human nature we will never be the same

This planet God created gives us all we'll ever need
Beauty in abundance and bounty for our feed
He wanted us to live in peace and spread his word and love
He even sacrificed his son to open heaven above

It's Satan that pollutes us with conflict, greed and lust
He tries to capture hearts and souls and turn them into dust
We must all strive to do God's will and defeat the Devil's plan
And live as God's own children throughout Life's earthly span


Love to all Cx :-)

You are right Cynthia, I for one love poetry.
Thank you once again for your dedication
to this thread x

Good morning :-)

I know a lot of you enjoy poetry......... :-D


Blessings
When I look to the heavens on nights crisp and clear
God's wondrous universe fills me with fear
For the Lord God created the earth and the sky
And all of the creatures that walk, swim and fly

The natural beauty I see on life's way
Give me joy in abundance with each waking day
This world is a blessing and life is a gift
And the knowledge God loves me gives me a lift

My friends and my family bring me great joy
The blessing of children each girl and each boy
With all of these blessings my faith should be strong
But it's easy to falter, I must not go wrong

My conscience will tell me what's wrong and what's right
But I will be tempted each day and each night
Commandments were given to show me the way
I must pray for guidance and try not to stray

So why do I struggle it should be a breeze
I need to thank God and spend time on my knees
Life's full of excitement with so much to do
My time for prayer can end up in a queue

My life on this earth is really a test
I need strength to win and must give it my best
My prize waits in heaven on God's right hand
At peace with the angels in God's promised land


by John Thorne © 2012


Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


That's lovely Vera.......very meaningful words with a touch of humour ... <3 :-D Thank you for that.

For today :

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost!
That’s why I chose this way”.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
Needing God to be my guide.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
And pray for strength to carry on.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
And cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
Asking humbly to be taught.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are all too visible
But God believes I’m worth it.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache,
Which is why I seek His name.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority…
I only know I’m loved

by Carol Wimmer


Cx :-)

Two wonderful poems thank you both :-)

The following is a poem that was read by my daughter at my son's wedding nearly two years ago. It is meant to express in a fun way a couple's closeness and dependence on each other but it seems to me it would work equally well to express an individual's relationship with their God. Hope you like it.

I rely on you

I rely on you
like a Skoda needs suspension
like the aged need a pension
like a trampoline needs tension
like a bungee jump needs apprehension
I rely on you
like a camera needs a shutter
like a gambler needs a flutter
like a golfer needs a putter
like a buttered scone involves some butter
I rely on you
like an acrobat needs ice cool nerve
like a hairpin needs a drastic curve
like an HGV needs endless derv
like an outside left needs a body swerve
I rely on you
like a handyman needs pliers
like an auctioneer needs buyers
like a laundromat needs driers
like The Good Life needed Richard Briers
I rely on you
like a water vole needs water
like a brick outhouse needs mortar
like a lemming to the slaughter
Ryan's just Ryan without his daughter
I rely on you

© H Presley 1994

Good morning :-)


Awww..glad you liked it Emma.......here is another one with encouragement for children in mind.

The Game Of Life

Life--It's not about the wins and losses
Nor struggles along the way
It's Christ living in you.
It's how the game is played.

It's about my relationship with Him, in the end.
He's my All, my Everything, my Teacher, my Friend.
He's my Saviour, my Father, and mostly my Coach.
He guides me, protects me, and must not be reproached.

He draws me closer and closer, gently leading the way.
Teaching and directing me how to play.
He gives me the play book each and every day.
If, I simply, get down on my knees and pray.

It's how we respond to life's ebbs and flows
It's how others witness our ultimate lows.
We must remember; spectators are watching the game.
When it's all over, "Will we have struggled for fame?"

The question I'll ask,
"Will they see, Jesus in us?"
"Will they want to know more and learn to trust?"
"Will others see a difference in how we played the game?"
"Will we give God the Glory and all the Fame?"

I've learned far more from losses,
Than from any win attained.
It's during the crossroads, dead ends, and pitfalls
Where everything is gained.

Character is built. Integrity is earned.
Nothing could replace all that I have learned.
Put me in Coach. I am ready to play.
All by the rules of Your Book today.
Lisa S. Satcher


Cx :-)

That is a beautiful poem Cynthia, thank you
for sharing x

Good morning :-)


I do hope you enjoyed your break away Vera........Dorset is a lovely county. In fact, we are blessed with many lovely counties in our little country aren't we? <3

I caught sight of this poem yesterday........


The Legacy

She could not give her children gold -
she gave them faith to have and hold.

She could not give them royal birth,
A name renowned throughout the earth.

So she gave them seeds and a garden spot
And shady trees when the sun was hot.

She could not give a silver spoon
Or servants waiting night and noon.

She gave them love and a listening ear
And told them God was always near.

She could not give them ocean trips
Aboard majestic sailing ships.

But she gave them books and quiet time,
Adventures found in prose and rhyme.

She could not give them worldly things
But what she gave was fit for kings.

For with her faith and books and sod,
She made each child aware of God.


Love to all Cx :-)

I have been enjoying a short break in Dorset for a few days but wifi connection was intermittent and very slow, so now I am home I am catching up on the last few posts. I love some of this week's verses but can't think of anything appropriate to add. Thank you Cynthia, Kandj, Emma and Elizabeth.

Good morning :-)


That's a good one Elizabeth - thank you...... <3


The Collect (special prayer) set for today.

O God the king of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place
where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The reading for today is taken from John 17 and is a rather con-voluted conversation between Jesus and his heavenly father as he pleads for our protection from the evil one.


Cx :-)