Hands Ceremony

[Christa]

I had a version I really liked saved in my old journal that someone had posted on UW. For those of you who are using the Hands Ceremony, please post the version that you are using :)

[QueenElizabeth22]

I read a few on UW that I really liked as well! I would love to have one to show the priest. Not sure he will let us use it though...we are not able to have a unity candle as it is against our particular church's rules. I would love to have the hands ceremony though to see if we can use it, it brought tears to my eyes when I read it!

[Rebecca]

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your child for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family_

These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy_

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind._
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

Hans please hold Samantha's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young and carefree, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go_

These are the hands that will massage tension from you neck and back in the evenings after you've both had a long hard day._

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times_

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving._

They are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized._

Minister:
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May BRIDE and GROOM see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.

[Ally]

we are using this hand ceremony:

Allyson, please face Preston and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief fills you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Preston, please hold Allyson hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams.

[Renny]

this is the version we are using.

Shorter Hand Ceremony:

Beth, please face Tom and hold his hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief fills you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Tom, please hold Beths hands, palms up, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the year, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams.
Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.