Song Meaning
This prayer, offered by a newly married couple, centers on a profound desire for divine presence and guidance in their union. The opening address, "Father, our Father," immediately establishes a tone of reverence and dependence, seeking peace and spiritual growth "in Thy Spirit." The couple sees their marriage not just as a personal commitment but as a divinely orchestrated event, asking to "increase / In the love that Thou hast worked in us."
The core tension lies in the dual nature of their union: the earthly bond of "man and wife" and the spiritual aspiration for unity with God. They receive a blessing as "the three of us unite," explicitly including the divine in their partnership. This isn't just about two people becoming one, but about two people and God becoming one, a concept reinforced by the plea, "God, make us one in Thy glory."
The language is steeped in traditional religious phrasing, emphasizing reliance on faith for their future. The phrase "In Jesus we depend alone" highlights their commitment to a specific religious path for salvation and guidance. They don't just want personal happiness; they desire to be instruments of divine purpose, asking to "Use us to proclaim / Salvation in Thy name."
Ultimately, the lyrics articulate a vision of marriage as a sacred covenant, a partnership that extends beyond the human realm. The final invitation, "We invite you to be Lord of our home," encapsulates the prayer's essence: a humble request for God to be the central, guiding force in their shared life and domestic space, shaping their love and their witness to the world.