An Ephesian Prayer

This hymn, which is popular for weddings, was written by American Roman Catholic priest, composer and singer James Vincent (Jim) Marchionda OP (b 1947), based on Ephesians 3:16-19.

It was originally released in 1980 on the LP "The Canticle" recorded by the group SONDAY (ref) which Marchionda led. Sheet music for the song is included in the "Canticle" songbook. This book is now out of print, but copies are sometimes available from eBay or Amazon.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Marchionda.

double-sided cloister in the ruins of the greek city of Ephesus - with the two coming together and displaying the sun in the middle

Downloads

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Examples

Wedding singer in a very reverberant church:

Lead singer with quartet, recorded live at a wedding:

Small choir, acapella:

Small choir, with piano accompaniment:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

May the Lord, our God, bless you with love.
May the Lord, our God, fill you with peace.
May he lead you and guide you,
May he love you with compassion.
May God bless you and hold you;
May he always live in you.

1. From the wealth of his glory
.... And to build your lives on love.

2. From the wealth of his glory,
... The love of Jesus Christ.