Whatever the weather, whether ithas been a wet winter and a dry summer, or indeed a mixture of both, we arefortunate to have farmers who produce a harvest. Many will say that they workwith three things: a tractor, the weather and God.
Harvest is a time to celebrate:the produce we all enjoy; the skills of all those who work on the land; and theworld that God has given us. We may independently be in awe of the countrysidewe see, or we may take a silent moment to rest in the beauty of creation. We mayseek to do this in an act of worship, joining with many others to give thanks.
The annual County HarvestService organised by the Chaplaincy to Agricultural and Rural Life (CARL) willtake place in the Cathedral on Sunday 6 October. Many members of the YoungFarmers Club (YFC) will help to lead the service, which involves a processionof produce culminating with a traditional, large harvest loaf. This is anopportunity to offer to God the contribution we make in bringing food to thetable; to give thanks and pray for others in the agricultural chain upon whomwe are dependent; and above all to praise God who gives life to all livingthings.
A Harvest prayer from theArthur Rank Centre:
God of the heavens and theearth, You call us to share in the care of your creation and to bring food andfruitfulness from field and farm. Hear our prayer for all who make their livingon the land and make us grateful for the work of their hands and for thegenerosity of your provision. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
