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Rogation

Traditionally celebrated near the Sixth Sunday in Easter, Rogation is a time to pray for planting and for those working with the land. The Rogation Days (from the Latin rogare, ‘to ask’) are the three weekdays before Ascension Day. Often during this time, congregants would walk the parish boundaries praying for the blessing of the land. The poet George Herbert interpreted the procession as a means of asking for God’s blessing on the land, of preserving boundaries, of encouraging fellowship between neighbours with the reconciling of differences, and of charitable giving to the poor. These are days to recall the need to walk gently and sustainably on the earth. 

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/churchs-year/times-and-seasons/agricultural-year#mmm339

On May 21st, If you would like a socially distanced curbside garden or seed/ling blessing, email incumbent@stmatthiasvictoria.ca and Meagan will schedule a time with you! We invite you to take this opportunity to walk our parish bounds praying fo the earth, the creatures and all who inhabit this place we live and worship! 

Rogation Blessings

Prayer for Seeds
Creating God, you have given seed to the sower and bread to the people. Nourish, protect, and bless the seeds which your people have sown in hope. By your loving and bountiful giving, may they bring forth their fruit in due season, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer for the Soil
Giver of life, we give you thanks that in the richness of the soil, nature awakens to your call of spring. We praise you for the smell of freshly tilled earth, the beauty of a cleanly cut furrow, and a well-ploughed field. We ask that you help us to be good stewards of this land. In the name of the one who gives us new life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer for Water and Rain
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 the crops may flourish and the coming harvest is indeed bountiful. Amen

From Worship from the Ground Up: A Worship Resource for Town and Country Congregations. Dubuque, Iowa: Center for Theology and Land, University of Dubuque and Wartburg Theological Seminaries.