Rogation

By Pastor Ginny Olson
St. Peter Lutheran, Eldorado

We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered by God’s Almighty hand,

Who sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine and soft refreshing rain.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.

We thank you, Lord, we thank you, Lord, for all your love. ELW 681

We are ready for spring! The days are longer, and the reports tell us the drought has lessened.  We drive and walk past fields that are getting green, and we wait to see tractors in the fields. We are blessed to live in the country, where we can see and smell and celebrate the signs of spring.  We wait for the time to plant our gardens and to brighten our yards with flowers.  The earth is renewed!

We are dependent on the Lord of Creation for all that we have.  As we wait for the land to be ready for planting, we pray God’s blessings on seeds and sowers.  In this season of Easter, Rogation is celebrated. Rogation comes from the word “beseech.”  We do earnestly ask God’s blessing on the work of preparing the soil and planting.

As we go into this season, we pray for God’s grace and blessing.  We remember the dry, hot summer days, and we ask for seasonable weather. And, when things do not go as they should, we ask God’s blessings and care for us. We pray for an abundant harvest, for fruit and vegetables and flowers to share, that all might know the goodness of the Creator and that no one would go hungry.

We thank you, our Creator, for all things bright and good,

The seedtime and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.

No gifts have we to offer for all your love imparts, 

But what you most would treasure — our humble, thankful hearts.

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above.

We thank you, Lord, we thank you Lord, for all your love.