The Simply Divine Programme for this Saturday 13th April at 10.04 a.m. on South East Radio has a focus on farming. Interviewed are leaders from farm organisations such as Alice Doyle (Deputy President of the IFA), Patrick Kent, (former president of Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association) and Denis Drennan (National President of the ICMSA). The programme also includes contributions from Bishop Adrian Wilkinson (Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory) and Bishop Ger Nash (Bishop of Ferns). The subject is the impact of the continued bad weather on the livelihoods, finance and mental health of farmers.
Bishop Adrian Wilkinson and Bishop Ger Nash offer support to the farming community and have composed prayers emphasising the needs of food producers and the rural economy at this challenging time. As a mark of solidarity at 9.55 a.m on Sunday 14th April Patricia McNally will lead The Lord’s Prayer on South East Radio and people are invited to pause for a moment, and those who wish, to join her in prayer as we hope for improved weather.
The link is: https://www.southeastradio.ie/listen-live
A PRAYER FOR FARMERS
(written by Bishop Adrian Wilkinson)
Creator God, in the resources of the earth you have given us riches for all humanity. We pray for those involved in harvesting these resources, in agriculture and horticulture, forestry, mining and fisheries. Their work can be dangerous and for some beset with uncertainty through weather and disease.
We pray for all farmers at this time of prolonged rainfall when fields are still saturated, and growth is slow. Grant them the gift of patience and help them to trust in the natural rhythms of life. We pray for those tempted to despair in hard times, that they may be helped and supported by caring services and friends. We pray for wise financial planning, land care and asset management, so that farmers may be confident about the future of their farms and rural communities flourish. We give thanks for their dedication as they care for your creation and provide food for our needs and markets.
Creator God, this we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.