As we approach the harvest season, I will be attending many different harvest suppers, and even a harvest dance. The chapels will be decorated with fruits and vegetables. We will celebrate the abundance of food that we have in this country, give thanks to God for the blessings we have received and also pray for those who have less than we do. The offerings have become less fresh fruit and vegetables and more non-perishable items, foods that can be given to the Food Banks for families in need.
Unfortunately, harvest is starting to go out of fashion for many people. Many don’t see the need to thank God for the harvest – after all, the supermarkets are always overflowing with various produce, and we have so much variety we often don’t know what to choose.
Yet, for those of us that still find meaning in the harvest season, taking time to remember and give thanks for blessings we have received is important. There are many hymns that remind us to whom we owe our thanks, including Come you thankful people come by Henry Alford, or Praise and thanksgiving by Albert Bayly. Both hymns praise God for helping us to receive a bountiful harvest.
Harvest God,
We praise and thank you for all our many blessings
For the wonder of creation, the mountains and streams, oceans and forests, we praise you
For the abundance of life, trees, flowers, fish, birds and animals, we praise you
For the variety of foods we have to share with one another, we praise you
For the vast range of cultures and lifestyles we share, we praise you
For all our blessings, this day and every day, we praise you God.
Amen
You can download this Prayer for the Week here
Prayers for September by Revd Claire Rawlinson
Image: shopping basket – photo by rawpixel on www.unsplash.com
