To the Disciples of Christ in the Kettle River Cooperative:
“April Showers bring May flowers…What do May flowers bring? Yes… pilgrims, but also BUGS!!!! Isn’t it great!
As you start to think about planting your gardens, or getting your holy pollinator plots ready for the season of planting. I thought you might enjoy a little history of “Rogation.”
Rogation celebrations are a way to focus one aspect of our life-long stewardship of the gifts that God has blessed us with. Maybe you are wondering…what in the world is Rogation? And why would we talk about it in church? Is it a disease or something? Here is a little history of what, and why.
We frequently think of seedtime, planting, and prayers for an abundant harvest as the main emphasis of rogation, but the word “rogation” actually takes its meaning from the Latin word “rogare” which means “To Beseech.”
This comes from 5th century France: after horrible natural disasters, the Bishop required the people to make a solemn three-day observance in order to atone for their sin; the observance consisted of three main parts:
- The people were to petition God for forgiveness of their sins.
- The people were to petition God for protection from further calamities.
- The people were to petition God for bountiful crops.
Over the years, rogation lost its penitential air and became festive. Present traditions include “blessing of the fields” with processions through local fields, a singing of the litany, and offering prayers for God’s protection and favor. The rogation service often includes a celebration of Holy Communion.
The spiritual lessons of rogation have also developed over the years: God and humanity cooperate in the creative processes of agriculture. Tilling and care of the soil are tasks and privileges given by God. The life-giving power of the sown seed depends on God’s goodness. These relationships result in a bountiful harvest.
You may not be a farmer, or have anything to do with farming in your life, or the planting of seeds. And yet, by God’s spirit and strong presence in our lives we are planting seeds, and growing in faith and life all the time. We give thanks for, and bless the gifts that God has graciously showered upon us before they have grown to maturity as an act of faith for what we know….God will provide all that we need. Maybe more than anything, Rogation and all the ways we remember, celebrate, and create rituals around the season of planting reminds us of God’s presence in our lives that sustains us, and the many ways God has already blessed us with gifts, before the harvest has come.
Here are 3 prayers of blessing for you to use to bless the seed, the soil, and the water for your planting times.
Blessing of the Rogation Elements
Prayer for Seeds
All: 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 Soil
All: 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- plowed 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/Rain
All: 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 be indeed bountiful. Amen.
God’s peace and strong presence be with you and your family in this beautiful time of Spring.