Prayers for planting--come celebrate Spring at Good Shepherd!

Spring is really here!  Flowers, warmer weather, more light, and signs of garden work everywhere.  The Christian church has a tradition of blessing the land for planting.  It started in fifth century France, with prayers and a procession around the parish, the land surrounding a church where all its members lived,  just before the Feast of the Ascension.  It was no accident that this date coincided with days when Roman pagans offered sacrifice to the god Robigo who could prevent mildew and wheat rust—religions often adapt local customs to their beliefs. 

Today in Fort Lee prayers for planting may seem a little archaic.  Yet I do see a need to remember that everything we eat has to at least begin with something that grows and is harvested for our use.  The Fort Lee Farmer’s Market will start soon, making locally grown produce available.  Reflection about and prayers for local agriculture, and for commitment to sustainable, just, healthy farming and eating practices seem especially relevant to our busy and often indoor lives. 

Good Shepherd will observe this tradition on Sunday, May 5, at the 8am and 10am Eucharists (Holy Communion)—weather permitting we will worship outside at 10. 

Anyone who comes will receive a plant with this blessing:

Bless this garden,

Rich and teeming with life

God bless our labor

As we dig, turn, and plant this soil

God bless these plants           

May they flourish like hope, transforming

God bless the rains

That water these plants and nourish our work

God bless the harvest

From the grace of God, grows our generosity,

God bless this garden

As you bless all creation with your love.  Amen.*

Come celebrate God’s good gifts of earth, and of plants and animals for our care and use!

* Source:  “Terri,” an Episcopal priest in Michigan, who writes a blog, Seeking Authentic Voice.  See more at http://seekingauthenticvoice.blogspot.com/2012/04/garden-blessings-rogat...