The secret of Marriage Vows

I take (accept, thoughtfully choose, joyfully receive) you to be my husband/wife (mate, companion, friend, fellow-traveler, lover, delight)

To have (consider part of me, see as mine, take responsibility for as myself) and to hold (hug, caress, treat tenderly, protect, enfold) from this day forward (I am entering a new part of life that begins today)

For better (good times, make-up times, new days, wonderful discoveries), for worse (disappointments, misunderstandings, arguments, difficulties, unforeseen challenges);

For richer (not only material wealth but richer experiences in life that we seek to share together, growing into an abundance of God's presence in our marriage), for poorer (times when we have to depend on the Lord for provision, times when we have to adjust expectations);

In sickness (times of sickness, fatigue, and the stresses of life, when patience is required) and in health (we take care of each other and encourage healthy living);

To love (long for you in every way, serve you, practice growing into oneness with you) and to cherish (to offer tender touch, patient care, seeking to understand and meet needs)

Until we are parted by death (we recognize that these promises aren't for heaven but for here, as we help each other to know the Lord and anticipate eternal life in his presence);

As God is my witness (I acknowledge that God is listening to me and expects me to take these vows as seriously as anything I have ever said), I give you my promise (I want these words to be the most precious things I could ever give you, and I will live them out for you every day).