O Father All Creating (Matrimony)

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John Ellerton (1876)	Anonymous (1536). Michael Praetorius (1609).
1. O Father, all-creating, Whose wisdom, love, and pow’r, First bound two lives together, In Eden’s primal hour, Today to these Thy children, Thine earliest gifts renew: A home by Thee made happy, A love by Thee kept true.	2. O Savior, Guest most bounteous, Of old in Galilee, Vouchsafe today Thy presence, With those who call on Thee. Their store of earthly gladness, Transform to heav’nly wine, And teach them, in the tasting, To know the gift is Thine.
3. O Spirit of the Father, Breathe on them from above, So mighty in Thy purity, So tender in Thy love; That, guarded by Thy presence, From sin and strife kept free, Their lives may own Thy guidance, Their hearts be ruled by Thee.	4. O Virgin, guest most gracious, the couple’s last recourse, unless thy help’s solicited, they languish in remorse; Thou bidst us do whatever He says, His Word’s command Divine, The type of His great gift of Self, The water into wine.
5. Except Thou build it, Father, The house is built in vain; Except Thou, Saviour, bless it, The joy will turn to pain; But naught can break the marriage, Of hearts in Thee made one; And love Thy Spirit hallows, Is endless love begun.	Amen.