On June 24, 2011, New York, home to 42,000 same-sex couples, became the sixth and by far the largest state to legalize same-sex marriage. This means the number of same-sex couples living in states allowing same-sex marriage has more than doubled overnight. In a Reuters release, Columbia Law School professor Suzanne Goldberg noted: "New Yorkers tend to move about the country quite a lot. High numbers of same-sex couples likely to marry here will increase pressure on other states to treat those couples fairly." We rejoice in this legal breakthrough for loving couples in New York.

And so we pray this news. To those about to get married as a result of this most excellent development we offer a prayer, a reflection of God, and a blessing, all from Lifting Women's Voices: Prayers to Change the World (Morehouse Publishing).

A Wedding Prayer
by Tina Karagulian

To love deeply and purely,
to bring more love into the world,
This is what we honor
in this moment,
God's hand in this room;
for wherever love comes into form,
there God is.

We celebrate all the ways
in which God shows us love,
for they are more numerous
than our imaginations can conceive.

This moment we bless,
simple,
pure,
full of bliss,
a poem,
infinite.

21st Century God
by Hitha Rani

O Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
let us understand you as a 21st century God
of peace,
justice,
equality —
approachable,
understanding,
trustworthy —
a helpmate bringing
contentment,
calmness,
inspiration —
motivator,
and a wonderful counselor.
Make us a blessing to others.
Amen.

Blessing
by Lotte Webb

May God who dreams her dreams in you
Who sings in the swirling air and dances in the moving tides
Who beckons in the glowing fire and the caress in the soft earth
Bless you to know your own power
Delight you with your heart's desire
Nurture you in all your journeying and becoming
Guide you home. Amen.


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