Rogation Service - Steep

Steep, and Froxfield with Privett Rogation Service

Aldersnapp Farm, 10^th May 2009

Welcome and introduction

Peace be to this house and farm
All: Open for us the gates of righteousness; we will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

Opening prayers

For the stirring of new life throughout the countryside:
Thanks be to God.
For hard work with crops and animals that both wearies and satisfies:
Thanks be to God.
For the security of a home with warmth, food and family:
Thanks be to God.
Bless, O God, this house and farm and those who live and work here. Give them health and strength in their daily labours;
And thankfulness for all your gifts.

Reading: Isaiah 55: 12-56:1


You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed. This is what the Lord says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed."


Song


First stop – a pond in an uncultivated place

Reading: Luke 12:24, 27
Jesus said: "Think of the ravens: they neither sow nor reap; they have no storehouse or barn; yet God feeds them. Think of the lilies: they neither spin nor weave; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendour was not attired like one of them."

O all you green plants, shrubs and trees, O all you insects and creeping things,

Praise the Lord who made you and sustains you.
O all you birds and animals who hide yourselves, O all you stones and rocks, giving shelter,
Praise the Lord who made you and sustains you.
O heat and cold, rain and sun, dew and frost, O night and day, air and wind, summer and winter,
Praise the Lord who made you and sustains you.


Prayer

Song


Second stop – a meadow with cattle

O let the works of the Lord
bless the Lord.
O let the beasts and cattle
bless the Lord.
O let all who care for God's world
bless the Lord.


Reading: Psalm 147: 7-11
Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.
He veils the sky with clouds and provides the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills;
he provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
He does not delight in the horse's strength, and he takes no pleasure in a runner's fleetness;
the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.


Prayer

Song


Third stop – a pasture

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.


Reading: Isaiah 28:24-9
Will the ploughman spend his whole time ploughing, breaking up his ground and harrowing it? Does he not, once he has levelled it, broadcast the the dill and scatter the cummin? Does he not put in the wheat and barley in rows, and vetches along the edge? Does not his God instruct him and train him aright? . . Grain is crushed, but not too long or too finely; cartwheels rumble over it and thresh it, but they do not grind it fine. Even this knowledge comes from the Lord of Hosts, whose counsel is wonderful and whose wisdom is great.

Prayer


Song


Fourth stop - Stroud church

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,
the world and all that live in it.
All the animals of the forest are the Lord's,
and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills.
The Lord makes grass grow for the cattle,
and plants for us to cultivate,
Bringing forth food from the earth,
wine that gladdens our hearts,
oil to make our faces shine,
bread that sustains our hearts.
The Lord makes springs pour water into the valleys;
it flows between the mountains.
The birds of the air nest by the waters;
they sing among the branches.


Confession and Absolution

Prayers, including the Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven 

The Blessing


Song