Harvest prayers

St Hughs Harvest Festival 15th September 


The Israelites were commanded to bring the first fruits to the altar, a recognition that all they enjoyed, came from God the giver of life. It serves to remind us of our dependency upon the creation and to not take what we have for granted. So we pray for ourselves and the world.


God, 

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

one in perfect community

Hear now our prayers.


God our creator

we acknowledge with gratitude

that our cupboards and fridges are full,

and when they empty we have shops 

and wealth so we can restock. 

Help us never to take this for granted

and to share the abundance we enjoy

in ways that will make a difference 

to the lives of others.


Lord in your mercy

Hear Our Prayer


Lord Jesus

you advised people 

to sit more lightly with what they have,

that you can only wear one shirt at a time,

that for some to be free

your need to give away 

not to hoard but to share

and that in these ways it leads to a meaningful life.

Disturb us Jesus, with the challenge we need to hear,

that we might sit more lightly with what we have

and enjoy life to the full.


Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer


Holy Spirit

you create acts of love. 

Watch over Sarah 

as she leads the work of the food bank,

and all the volunteers .

That they may not tire in this vital work

so that the hungry might be fed,

but we pray

for a change throughout our society

that food banks might shut

and all will have what they need to feed themselves,

that new houses will be built

that all might have a roof over their head 

that can truly be called home,

and disturb us in our complacency

which allows injustice to exist.


Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer


God

as we celebrate with gratitude

on this harvest festival

we pray

for those around the world

who work to produce a harvest

that fills our tables

while their own are empty

may we learn to consume only what we need

and so allow others to truly live.


Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer


God, 

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

one in perfect community

draw us and all people 

into your community

that your love might flourish

true sharing take place

and all needs are met

brining life in all abundance. Amen


© Mark Goodhand 11th September 2024


I wrote these prayers in readiness for our local church harvest festival on 15th September. Sarah from the local food bank is coming to share her work and she sent a link to a video. I'm so pleased I wrote the prayers first. Amazingly the video highlights the wonderful life changing work of food banks, but, and its a big but,  we need to get rid of them. So here is the link and chance to reflect.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-w7OmIXNxg

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