Lord God,
thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
We give thee thanks for the years thou hast given us together,
for the joys we have shared,
for the trials that have strengthened us,
and for thy mercy that has sustained us
when we have fallen short.
Continue thy goodness toward us;
deepen our love for one another;
and grant us grace to keep the promises we have made,
until at last we come to the joy that has no end;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ECUMENICAL TRADITIONAL; ECUMENICAL
A Prayer for an Anniversary
Also known as Wedding Anniversary Prayer ยท Prayer on an Anniversary
About this prayer
Christian marriage is understood across traditions as a covenant made before God and the community, and its anniversaries are occasions for renewing thanks and commitment. Many Christian couples mark wedding anniversaries with prayer, either privately or with a blessing from their pastor or priest. The BCP tradition includes prayers for use at the renewal of marriage vows. The prayer given here is suited for use by a couple on a wedding anniversary, giving thanks for the years shared and asking for God's blessing on the years ahead. It may also be adapted for other significant anniversaries.
When it's said
This prayer is said on a wedding anniversary, either by the couple privately, by a pastor at a service of anniversary thanksgiving, or at the renewal of vows. It is also suited to other significant anniversaries in the life of a community or institution.
Notes on the text
The opening phrase 'thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations' is from Psalm 90:1, the great psalm of God's eternity and human transience that is traditionally read at funerals. Its use here on an anniversary places the marriage within the larger perspective of God's faithfulness across time. The reference to 'trials that have strengthened us' reflects the realistic Christian understanding of marriage as a covenant that endures through difficulty, not only in happiness.
Source
Ecumenical prayer in the tradition of Anglican and Protestant thanksgiving. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.