Rogationtide: Seasons in God's Hands
Rogation-tide is not only the Sunday before Ascension, when traditionally people “beat the bounds” and prayed for their communities and the land but it is also the three days that follow, a time of fasting and prayerful preparation for the feast of the Ascension.
What does “Rogation” mean?
“Rogation” comes from the Latin noun rogatio, meaning “asking” (the verb is rogare, “to ask”).
When are the Rogation Days?
The Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday.” This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,” days for fasting and prayer. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, which comes on the 40th day after Easter (when Easter Sunday is counted as the 1st day).
What do the Rogation Days mean?
As the 2019 Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry”.
Rogation Days remind us that our lives and seasons are in God’s hands.
As the farmers and agricultural communities of Wales continue to battle the changing weather patterns and the changes to Welsh Government policies we offer our prayers for then and for all who supply our food from around the world.
For the Harvest of Lands and Waters
O gracious Father, you open your hand and fill all living things with plenteousness: Bless the lands and waters, and multiply the harvests of the world; send forth your breath, and renew the face of the earth; show your loving-kindness, that our land may yield its increase; and save us from selfish use of what you provide, that the poor and needy may give thanks to your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
For Agriculture and Farming
Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it may produce what is needed to sustain our life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.