VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You and Your families are well and healthy. I wish You all a peaceful Sunday and a great week ahead.

I am told by the Editors that there are increasing numbers of farmers writing in who are fed up with the weather and its effects. Some desperate farmers are worried after losing sheep in Storm Emma which left hundreds of animals dead under snow drifts in north-west England, and see no easy route to compensation. Others cannot see an end to this wretched rain and have flooded fields. Let’s be clear: there is much, and increasing, stress around.

So, today I would ask all of You to please pray for our farmers. They often have a tough time. They deserve our wholehearted thanks and our gracious support. Too often they are the forgotten ones.

Have a wonderful day.

God bless You all.

Eternal Father,

maker of heaven and earth,

we bless you and give you glory.

Bless this seed, and make it fruitful.

Look upon our work this season,

and grant that the seeds we plant

will produce plentiful crops,

providing work and food for many.

In your love, give us favourable weather

throughout this growing season.

Make us truly grateful for all our gifts,

and willing to share our goods and talents with others,

especially those without adequate food.

All praise and glory are yours, Almighty Father,

through your son Jesus Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.