A Wedding Prayer

We had some friends get married yesterday.  It was a wonderful celebration.  One of the final things was a song that we always sing to the couple before they head off in the limo.   It's a lovely way to end a wedding.  It's the Sabbath Prayer with a few changes from the play  Fiddler on the Roof .

  May the Lord protect and defend you.
May He always shield you from shame.
May you come to be
In Israel a shining name.

May you be like Ruth and like Boaz
May you be deserving of praise.
Strengthen them, Oh Lord,
And keep them from the strangers' ways.

May God bless you and grant you long lives.
(May the Lord fulfill our Sabbath prayer for you.)
May God make you good husband and wife.
(Many children, builders of the family name.)

May the Lord protect and defend you.
May the Lord preserve you from pain.
Favor them, Oh Lord, with happiness and peace.
Oh, hear our Sabbath prayer. Amen.

It's a great prayer for newlyweds.

We do want them to be kept from the strangers ways.  We want them to be protected and kept by the Lord.  And have happiness and peace.

Amen.