So I watched the service, straight up, with no commentary this evening. If you want to see it, it’s available .

I’m a liturgy geek, so it was all wonderful, from Cwm Rhondda to Jerusalem, and  a composition by John Rutter. I especially liked the Parry setting of John Milton. OK, so I want the Deaon of Westminster’s cope, too.

But there was also something quite powerful for me in seeing this ceremony, with the Dean of Westminster, the Bishop of London, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, after having celebrated at a wedding at Grace this afternoon. Both were lovely liturgies, with couples deeply in love and family and friends supportive. But each ceremony also pointed to something much greater than any of us, greater than the love any couple can share.

Some of the words I said were quite similar to words said by the Archbishop of Canterbury; I even read the Bishop of London’s sermon before completing my homily–and was astounded to discover that mine was 70 words longer than his. While watching tonight, I felt deeply connected, not only to the couple whose marriage I witnessed and blessed today, but to the larger communion of people who yearn for love and relationship, across the world.

Here’s the prayer, Prince William and Kate wrote:

God our Father, we thank
you for our families; for
the love that we share and
for the joy of our marriage.
In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on
what is real and important
in life and help us to be generous with our time
and love and energy.
Strengthened by our union, help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.