Blessing Beyond Boundaries: Speaking to the Soul May 18, 2023

The rogation procession begins at the parish door, 

in ages past a lion leading the way,
priest and people tracing and beating the parish bounds,
icons aloft, each footfall a proclamation of hope and gratitude–
saints old and new, invoking and being invoked,
that our labor may ever serve each other
and you, Lord Christ, as you ascend.

Creator God,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and filled the sky with light both by day and by night,
we ask that you bless us this day.

New life springs up from freshly turned soil,
each furrow tracing the hills studiously,
gratefully drinking in the spring rains
like a child at breast.

Bless the fields, our holy ground and succor,
that they may thrum with the song of the diligent bees,
who help make our harvests bountiful,
orchard blossoms releasing a redolent sweetness,
scenting the air with hope.

Bless the skies, dappled with dawn,
that they may bring forth sunshine and rain in good measure,
sustaining the tender plants as they burgeon and bud,
sun gazing benevolently, enticing seed to sprout,
clouds and wind reviving the sleepy dance of ripening grain.

Bless our common toil, our labor and industry,
as we offer our strength and skill
for the sustenance of your people,
that we may minister and midwife
your renewal of the gravid, engraced earth,
that the gifts yielded to us may bless one and all,
even to the communion we share,
offering and gift,
born of earth, hearth, and Spirit.

Ever enclose us within your bounds, O God,
and call us safely into your fold and embrace,
that we may flower and bloom anew
awash in wonder, sustained by goodness.
in kinship and in kindness to your glory
clothing the earth anew.

This was first published at Episcopal Journal and Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on May 18, 2023.

Image:  Jules Breton - La Bénédiction des blés en Artois, 1857

Prayer, day 2675: For Ascension Sunday, and the blessing of the earth

Creator God,
who laid the foundations of the earth,
and filled the sky with light both by day and by night,
we ask that you bless us this day.

Bless the fields,
that they may thrum with the song of the diligent bees,
who help make our harvests bountiful.

Bless the skies, dappled with dawn,
that they may bring forth sunshine and rain in good measure,
sustaining the tender plants as they burgeon and bud.

Bless our toil
as we offer it up for the sustenance of your people,
that we may gratefully care for the earth
and for each other.
Enclose us within your bounds, O God,
and call us safely into your fold,
especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1580: For Rogation Day

Mother Pamela asperges Shepherd Farm garden, whose produce is donated to the hungry.

O Holy One of Blessing,
who spreads this day before us in glory and beauty,
we praise and bless You:
hear our prayer.

Bless, O God,
the fields and gardens
that bring forth your bounty to a hungry world:
may all who hunger be fed.

Bless, O God,
all those who labor to plant, tend, and harvest:
may we honor their work
and our dependence upon it.

Bless, O God,
all those who protect this fragile Earth:
awaken in us a love of creation,
that we may preserve its integrity.

Almighty One, with the ravens and the lilies of the field,
may we testify to your goodness and providence
with grateful hearts.
As all creation works together in Spring,
may we also in unity sing out your praise
in our green song of joy and rebirth.

Lord Jesus,
plant within us new hope and faith,
and place your hand of blessing over those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1577: Sixth Sunday of Easter (Rogation Sunday observance)

From last year's Rogation Sunday service at Church of the Good Shepherd.

O God, we rejoice to come into your courts today,
for you are our portion and our cup, our good above all others.
Accept the offered prayers and praises of your all creation
as we sing out in joy before You.
Let us live in such a way that testifies
that Christ is in us, and we are in Christ,
with holiness and mercy.
Fill us with your wisdom, hope, and compassion,
that we may serve You and each other, O Spirit of Truth and Faithfulness.
Make us forces for reconciliation and healing,
honoring your call to service, Lord Christ.
Make your face to shine upon us, O God, and this good Earth,
and pour out your blessing on those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 1195- Rogation Day

Reflections of the setting sun on the chapel altar, Church of the Holy Communion, University City, Missouri.

Almighty God, we join the chorus of praise as the morning stars sing out a song of ongoing creation and blessing. We rise to set our feet toward thy courts, and to gather as one people around your altars to give you thanks. Make our hearts fertile fields to manifest your saving help in the world, we pray.

O Creator who established the foundations of the universe, we thank You for setting your plumb line in our hearts. Let us work for the peace, equity, and justice we see modeled in your Holy Communion. Let us seek to do the work of the company of saints in proclaiming your kingdom of peace and well-being for all. Let us live out your gospel and be living testaments to your glorious love and faithfulness in service to others. 

Lord Christ, we offer you our all, for all comes from you: renew clean hearts within us, we pray. Stretch forth your healing hand over all who are suffering or in need, precious Lord, especially those we now name.

Amen.