Blessing the rings in a wedding ceremony is a most special aspect of the celebration. There’s a reason why most weddings have an actual prayer over the rings before they are exchanged by the bride and groom.
The rings themselves, whether they are common or extravagant, are symbols of being married to another person.
Think about it. If you’ve ever met a stranger, or have people-watched in a crowd, you generally know who is married solely by whether they have a wedding band on the ring finger of their left hand. Wedding rings date back thousands of years and across many different cultures.
The ring finger has been traditionally associated with the heart in many cultures because it had long been thought that a vein ran directly from there to the heart. The ring itself symbolizes the deep connection between the two individuals and their intention to cherish and protect their love and commitment.
Would you even think a couple was married if they didn’t exchange rings in the ceremony? Of course not!
That’s why praying over the rings before they are exchanged is very important. Most likely, it is the officiant who will do this, but anyone can pray this blessing. The seven centered prayers to bless wedding rings below can be used as needed in a wedding ceremony. The wording can be altered to fit your specific scenario as well.
You might also consider looking at prayers for being a good husband, or prayers to be a good wife.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” ( 1 Corinthians 13.4-8, NIV).
As someone who has performed dozens and dozens of weddings over the years, the blessing and exchanging of rings was always a key part of the ceremony for me. It was the only place where there was something tangible involved, beyond just mere words (however meaningful those words are!).
People started paying attention when I blessed the rings because they knew this was when the marriage started to become official–the couple was exchanging rings! It became more of a reality for the groom and the bride as well.
So, as you go about blessing wedding rings in a wedding ceremony, keep in mind that it is a moment rich in symbolism and emotion. Let us know how it goes, and share your comments in the section at the end of this article.
Short Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings
Lord God, I ask Your blessing upon these wedding rings, which are about to be exchanged by (groom and bride names). As they place these rings upon each other’s fingers, and take their vows, may these rings stand as a symbol for all of their love for each other through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings In The Wedding Ceremony
Dear God in heaven, as I hold these wedding rings in my hand, I am reminded of their simplicity and also their importance. They are circular and never ending. They are visible symbols of the love that (groom and bride names) have for each other–a love that is never ending and always coming back to each other.
Great care has been taken in choosing these rings, which is a reminder to (groom and bride names) that they should each take great care of each other for as long as they are married and wear these rings.
So now, I bless these rings with Your grace and mercy. I pray that when these rings are placed upon their fingers that (groom and bride names) feel different, that they feel truly united in love through Jesus Christ. It is because of Your love for them that we have this love to celebrate today in this wedding ceremony. I ask this blessing through our Lord Jesus, Amen.
Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings By The Groom
Lord, I ask Your blessing upon this ring I am about to give (bride’s name). It has been chosen and crafted with great skill and effort. Let that be a reminder to me of how much effort I should put into loving her with all that I am. May this ring be a real symbol of Your love for the both of us, and my love for her. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings By the Bride
Father God, I stand here in front of You and everyone important in my life, about to give this ring in holy marriage to (groom’s name). I want to ask Your blessing upon this ring, as a powerful symbol of my love for him. As long as he wears it, may he know that I am for him, I am with him, and I am in love with him. May there never be an obstacle to our love for each other. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
A Standard Prayer For Blessing Wedding Rings
Dear Lord, the wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and woman in holy matrimony, under the blessing of the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in Your favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings By The Groom’s Parents
Dear God, the wedding rings we have before us represent the eternal and undying love that (groom and bride names) have for each other. We have been asked to bless these rings and we are truly honored to do this.
May You, O God, grant your blessing to this marriage, as symbolized in the giving and receiving of these rings. We ask this in the loving name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer To Bless Wedding Rings By The Bride’s Parents
Dear Lord God, our daughter is about to be officially married to (groom name) and we are so grateful to be gaining a son through this marriage. We are so happy and thankful to be a part of this special moment for them both.
As we pray this prayer of blessing over the wedding rings, may Your Spirit surround them both and let them know that they are valued and loved beyond measure, by the One whose love matters most. We ask your blessing upon these rings, as tangible symbols of love and grace.
As they exchange these rings, and place them upon each other’s fingers, may they get a real sense of the connection they have with each other in married love. We ask this blessing through Jesus Christ, Amen.
Final Thoughts
In Christian weddings, when couples exchange rings, it is seen as a representation of the unity of the couple and their commitment to God. Wedding rings themselves carry deep cultural and personal significance, representing the love, commitment, and bond between two individuals who are building a life together, beginning with their wedding.
They serve as a symbol of the promises made and the intention to keep them and will continue to be a cherished tradition for generations to come. Many wedding rings have been passed on to later generations after a loved one has passed away, for instance. And, as a practical measure, they are commonly insured because they have great value.
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12.10, NLT).
All of this is to say that it means something to bless wedding rings. In a ceremony, the marriage itself is blessed, but the only other thing that is blessed are the rings themselves. I know of one man who never took his off. He even got special permission when he had to have surgery, in order to keep his wedding ring on.
It’s easy to see why wedding rings are given so much importance in a wedding ceremony. It’s also clear that praying to bless the rings is an honor and should be taken very seriously. A lot of feeling and emotion are wrapped up in those little circles of precious metals.
Lastly, I want to give you a pro tip for handling the rings in the ceremony. When you get the rings from the best man or ring bearer, you might want to place them on the first knuckle of your pinkie finger. In this way, they won’t roll around on the lectern you may be using, or fall out of the book you’re using for the wedding ceremony.
They are also easily accessible this way. You may want to practice a time or two, if you’re not familiar with the process.
May these prayers be useful to you as you make use of them in a wedding ceremony. Keep on praying!
