Rogation Services Traditionally celebrated on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the Sixth Sunday in Easter, Rogation Services are 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: http://www.ruralministry.com 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,
for its welcome cooling, and its necessary hydration for the land. We ask that the rain come as often as it is needed so that crops may flourish and the coming harvest be indeed bountiful. Amen.
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:
The Procession: Proceed to the places of blessing, using for each a prayer:
Thanksgiving Prayer #1:
Song: For the Fruit of all Creation, [Hymn 424 (Hymnal 1982)] or other suitable
------------------------------------------------------------------------ This service was assembled by the Rev Dcn Helen Hanten, St. Andrew's by the Lake Episcopal Church, Duluth, MN, found at http://www.env-steward.com/worship/rogation.htm |