In this week’s podcast I mentioned a part of the prayers during Rogationtide which really spoke to me.
The word rogation comes from the Latin rogare – ‘to ask’ – and the Rogation days are the three days leading up to Ascension Day. Many churches also observe Rogation Sunday on the preceding Sunday. Nowadays the prayers are not just about agriculture, but about all our work, and also stewardship of creation. But here’s the bit that struck me, because the delusion of self-sufficiency is a powerful force.
Prayers of Penitence
Let us ask God to have mercy on our tired land,
and to prosper the work of our soiled hands.
Let us ask God to forgive our delusion of self-sufficiency
so that we may praise him for his provision and goodness.
Lord, you give us this good earth,
yet we take your generous gifts for granted.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.