As we celebrate the harvest season, it is important to remember all those who work to bring food to our tables. Farmers have worked long and hard, sowing, tending, harvesting, and much more. There are those who process the foods. The butchers, the greengrocers, the dairy workers and many others who bring foods to the shops. All of these people we give thanks for and ask God to bless as they continue to provide us with food.
This year, many crops have struggled with the long dry summer with so little rain. When the prices of meat and other produce rise because there is less around, people will grumble but still be able to access all the food they need. Other people won’t be so lucky: the price rise will mean they can’t afford the food, and in some countries there simply won’t be enough food. We often remember these people in our prayers, but it is important too that we remember all those involved in food production, because a poor harvest has a major impact on farmers and others involved in the process.
So as you tuck in to your favourite foods this week, remember to thank God for all those who have been involved in its production. A hymn that reminds me to give thanks for my favourite food is one I used to sing at school. Autumn Days by Estelle White speaks of bacon and apple pie as things to give thanks for, and reminds us to never forget to say thank you.
Loving and gracious God
We thank you for our favourite foods in all their varieties.
We thank you for all the people who labour to bring our food to us,
From the farmers to the shop workers and everyone in every step in between.
We pray for those who will struggle this year because of a weak harvest,
For those who will struggle to eat because there is not enough food,
or because they can’t afford the food available.
and for the farmers and other workers who will struggle because there is less food to sell.
We give thanks for the work of the Food Banks, which support those who need help the most.
Help us to remember our blessings and to share them with those we meet.
Amen
You can download this Prayer for the Week here
Prayers for September by Revd Claire Rawlinson
Picture – harvesters, Photo by Johny Goerend on www.unsplash.com
