What to ask for

Jesus told his disciples to ask. “Ask”, he said, “and you will receive.” “You may ask for anything in my name,” he said, “and I will do it.”

The sixth Sunday of the Easter season was traditionally at time for asking for God’s blessing on the crops. In an era more closely connected to farming than we are when shipping food round the world was not an option, asking God to bless the crops was really important. If the crops failed then hunger or starvation followed. So Rogation (from the Latin “to ask”) was a really important time.

But how should we use Rogation today? Farmers throughout the world including in this country need our prayers. Many are under stress. Isolation is common. Average earnings are low – less than a vicar’s! Suicide rates remain stubbornly about twice the average.

We depend on farmers just as much for our food today as we ever did. WE may be distanced from them by a complex lengthy distribution system. Never the less they are God's answer to our prayer "Give us this day our daily bread."

So what to ask for when we pray for farmers? The simplest idea is to ask a farmer what needs he (or she) has!

To enable that to happen CARL has arranged a Rogation service at Yew Tree Farm on Monday 18th May at 7.00pm. The "service" will take the form of a walk round the farm stopping at various points to hear from the farmer what happens and what issues he faces. There will be a reflective reading, a prayer & and a hymn. It will all be followed by a pig roast.

All are welcome, but an idea of numbers would be useful.