The Emerald Isle, Ireland, has a deep faith that runs back to the time of Saint Patrick himself. Out of this long tradition of faith, coupled with a unique Irish perspective, have come some of the most beautiful and elegantly simple prayers.
One particular prayer tradition from Ireland is wedding blessings meant to be prayed on wedding days and by spouses throughout their marriage.
Here are a few traditional Irish wedding blessings:
“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.”
~ Irish Marriage Prayer
“May you have love that never ends,
lots of money, and lots of friends.
Health be yours, whatever you do,
and may God send many blessings to you!”
~ Irish Words of Wisdom for Weddings
“May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings Right beside your door.”
“May your troubles be less,
And your blessings be more.
And nothing but happiness,
Come through your door.”
~ Traditional Irish Wedding Blessing
“With the first light of sun- Bless you.
When the long day is done- Bless you.
In your smiles and your tears- Bless you.
Through each day of your years- Bless you.”
~ Traditional Irish Wedding Blessing
“May you enjoy the four greatest blessings:
Honest work to occupy you.
A hearty appetite to sustain you.
A good woman to love you.
And a wink from the God above.”
~ Irish Words of Encouragement for the Groom
“May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart,
May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.”
~ Irish Wedding Vow
“May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.”
~ Wedding Wishes From Ireland
“Happy is the bride that rain falls on
May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.
We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart and hand to hand.
Hark, O Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”
~Traditional Irish Marriage Prayer
These simple prayers truly capture the spirit of prayer in marriage. They capture the spirit of two people, praying that God bless their days and keep their marriage. A marriage rooted in God, where spouses that pray these simple prayers, are the kind of marriages that last.