"Rogation" is connected to the Latin word for "asking," and refers to a traditional time of praying for agriculture. Traditionally celebrated on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the Sixth Sunday in Easter, Rogation Services have been a time to pray for planting and for those working with the land. In rural areas, many people bless the elements used in farming, the fields, the seeds and that animals. In urban areas a blessing of gardens, and local businesses can be done. It might also be a time to show gratitude for soil, water and growth, and to challenge congregation members to think carefully of the food they eat, their care of water, earth and seed. The following are some ideas of prayers and services for Rogation.
For more information on Rogation and a complete Rogation service, look on the web at the Center for Theology and the Land through Wartburg Seminary of Dubuque, Iowa. NEW Day of Prayer for Crops The Reformed Church in America offers a variety of suggestions, prayer resources, and materials for a Day of Prayer for Crops and Industry, celebrated typically on the 2nd Sunday in March. Suggestions range from inviting local farmers to hosting progressive dinners to be attentive to all aspects of the food chain. Visit https://www.rca.org/resources/dayprayercropsandindustry
Rogation Prayers of Blessing (from Sundays and Seasons, copyright 2003, Augsburg Fortress, p. 195, from Worship From the Ground Up: a Worship Resource for Town and Country Congregations, Dubuque Iowa: Center for Theology and the Land)
Prayer for Seeds (hold seed aloft) Creating God, you have given seed for the sower and bread to the people. Prayer for the Soil (hold soil aloft) Giver of life, we give you thanks that in the richness of the soil, nature awakens your call to spring
Prayer for Water and Rain (hold water aloft) Sustaining God, we receive the fruits of the earth from you. We give you thanks for the smell of the earth after rain,
Rogation Process and Service from the Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission: Canticle 12. A Song of Creation. Page 88, Book of Common Prayer (BCP) Reading: Mark 4:26-32 Homily (optional) Prayers: Leader: For favorable weather, temperate rains and fruitful seasons, and that there may be food and drink for all your creatures, we pray to you, O Lord. Amen For your blessing upon the lands and waters, and all who work upon them to bring forth food and all things needful for your people, we pray to you O Lord. Amen For all who care for the earth, the water and the air that the riches of your creation may abound from age to age, we pray to you, O Lord. Amen.
The Procession: Proceed to the places of blessing, using for each a prayer:
Leader:
Thanksgiving Prayer #1: Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.
Song: For the Fruit of all Creation, [Hymn 424 (Hymnal 1982)] or other suitable |
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