ยป Download A Litany for Blessings the Seeds, Soil and Water (download pdf file)
(On the altar, place three jars filled with seeds, soil and water, and have them remain on the altar throughout spring, summer, and fall.)
Leader: The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord,
Congregation: And you give them their food in due season.
L: You open wide your hand
C: And satisfy the needs of every living creature.
L: (holding up the seeds) Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth, you give seed to the sower and bread for food. Nourish, protect, and bless the seed which people have sown in hope, so that by your good providence and bountiful giving it may bring forth fruit in due season and be gathered with thanksgiving to satisfy the needs of your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
L: (holding up the soil) O Loving God, the eternal fountain and giver of life, we give thanks that we again behold on every side the awakening of nature in answer to your call to arise from winter’s sleep; and as you cheer our spirits with freshening grass, budding trees, and unfolding plants, grant us thankful hearts to praise you for the promise of your renewed provision for our bodies and lives and an abiding trust in your unchanging love now and forever.
C: Amen.
L: (holding up the water) Lord God, by your providence alone we receive the fruits of the earth. In your mercy send us such weather that our fields may bring forth abundantly to our sustenance and that at the time of harvest we may take of your gifts for our good and give thanks to you with gladness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
L: All your works praise you, O Lord,
C: And your faithful servants bless you.
L: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You made the whole earth for your glory; all creation praises you. We lift our voices to join the songs of heaven and earth, of things seen and unseen. You stretched out the heavens like a curtain; you divided the day from the night; you appointed times and seasons for work and rest, for tearing down and for building up. You blessed your people through all generations and guided them in life and death; Abraham and Sarah; Moses and Miriam; Isaiah and all the prophets; Mary, the mother of our Lord; Peter, James, John, and all the apostles; and all the saints and witnesses in your church of ages past, in whome your Spirit spoke and moved. Be with us now and bless the work of those who labor in the fields. Grant us faith to know your gracious purpose in all things, and continue your blessings to us through the bounty of your creation; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
L: May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit bless the pastures and meadows, all growing grass and green fields. May the soil be wholesome and the crops good. May the weather be favorable and the workers of good heart. And may God who gives breath and life to the sower, multiply the seed sown and increase its fruits. May God be with us for evermore.
C: Amen.
Pastor Steven Schou is the author of Blessing the Seeds, Soil and Water; he serves at St. John’s/Richardton and Peace/Dickinson. Used with Permission.
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