The Book of Common Prayer strongly suggests certain Bible passages be read during the wedding service. I think most clergy give wide latitude here; in our case, Paul basically said we could have read whatever we wanted.

However, the recommendation of Psalm 67 is spot on. For most of my time as active, praying Christian, I have gravitated toward the more imploring, lamenting verses; Psalm 13, Psalm 71, Psalm 60 etc. But since Steph entered by life, I can’t help but be drawn to the ones that call out the goodness of the Lord. 67 repeats its command of praise twice, and I cannot think of anything I’d rather declare in the service than praise and gratefulness to God. And there is a message implict here: “When people see the good things that I have done for my people, they will become my servants too!” I hope Steph’s and my love for each other and the Lord touches those in the congregation whose hearts are not yet open.

Reading the Psalm is my grandfather, Arthur Tate Lichtenberger (Gov to his grandchildren.) Art and Anne (Nanne, natch) were engaged to be marriage one day before our date, and they will be celebrating their anniversary the day after our marriage. Hopefully there can be some sort of recognition and remembrance as to many ways God has blessed them at the reception!

Psalm 67 Deus misereatur (Standard)

May God be merciful to us and bless us, *
    show us the light of his countenance and come to us.
Let your ways be known upon earth, *
    your saving health among all nations
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
    let all the peoples praise you.
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, *
    for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide all the nations upon earth.
Let the peoples praise you, O God; *
    let all the peoples praise you.
The earth has brought forth her increase; *
    may God, our own God, give us his blessing.
May God give us his blessing, *
    and may all the ends of the earth stand in awe of him.