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Farming Matters!
Foot and Mouth Disease

pigs

Prayers for the Farming Community
and Related Industries

 Churches where there are bells have been asked to ring the tolling bell for 5 minutes at 12.00 noon on Sundays while the outbreak of foot and mouth lasts. We are all asked to pray at midday on Sundays. Various churches are organising extended periods for prayer. Check details locally.

Eternal God, our loving Creator, look with compassion on those whose life’s work is in ashes and all who are caught up in the crisis affecting our farming communities. Give grace and wisdom to all who carry heavy burdens of responsibility: those who have to slaughter and dispose of affected animals; those who administer the necessary systems of controls; those deciding Government policy. And in your mercy grant that our countryside may soon be free from this disease and turmoil, that all your creatures may flourish, families and communities be at peace, and all be free to enjoy the beauty of your creation. We ask this in the name of the great Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Eternal God, creator and sustainer of life, we praise you for the beauty and fertility of the earth. We praise you also for its complexity and mystery before which we bow in wonder and awe. Hear our prayers for all upon whom we depend for the production and provision of our food, for the management of the countryside and the husbanding of its resources.
To those who are suffering in the present crisis bring comfort and hope;
To those entrusted with the decision-making that affects others' lives give wisdom and discernment;
To your church in its ministry to all, grant a watchful eye, a loving heart and a prophetic voice in the service of your Kingdom; and through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God of light and love, encircle these islands with your protective light, to keep away what is of the dark and the destroyer; purified what has been corrupted so that others may be unblemished by the disease which affects us at this time. May your healing hand be over our land; forgive what we have done wrong and guide us to right living so that all may live in peace, in the name of Jesus our Lord.

Lord of compassion, it is not so hard to feel a sense of uselessness,
to be unable to find escape from difficulties,
to be once again dependant on the will of others,
to have no sense of control over that which is happening miles away or on my doorstep.
When there is nothing I can do,
to decide or alter the future,
give me the power and courage to wait,
to wait without self destructing anger
to wait without tiring of my calling to farm with integrity and skill. Amen

God of light and love, visit this land with your healing power;
in your compassion restore wholeness to communities
blighted by disease, destruction and the loss of hope;
have mercy on your whole creation,
and guide us to wise stewardship of your beautiful world,
that all your creatures may live in peace and health.
We ask this in the name of him in whom all things are made new,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Creator God
in times of uncertainty and fear,
help us to be aware of those who really care for us as people.
Our families and friends and many others!
As we search for answers to our dilemmas,
grant a spirit of co operation and trust.
To the officials and administrators give genuine sensitivity and wisdom,
to act swiftly and with compassion to those most needy.
As we unravel the mistakes may we learn the lessons,
whatever they may be.
Above all as we seek to support each other through this time
may we simply rediscover how precious is our dependance on each other. Amen

Hear us, O Lord, as we remember before you all in the farming community,
or whose lives are bound up in it, who have special need of you at this time:
all who fear for the continuation of their livelihood or employment;
all who must bear the loss of years of anxious toil and the suffering of creatures entrusted to their charge;
all in doubt about the future for themselves and their families and who feel themselves isolated and alone.
Uplift those that are cast down, O Lord, and cheer with hope all the discouraged:
uphold their faith, raise up helpers in their need and grant that they may ever find in you peace, healing and hope.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jeremy Martineau; National Rural Officer. 27.2.01