W e are all about “Go be the church!” Now is the time for us to all live into it! In our church, we are farmers, connected to the land and the changes that come to farmers whose lives are dependent on the weather and markets. We not only know farmers, but they are family and friends. We know them and they know us. They are strong and resourceful, but they are also grounded in God and prayer! There is no other way to faithfully face the uncertainties of each year and each day without God. Listen to the music and you will hear Standing on the Promises, Precious Lord, Take My Hand, or ‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus. I think it has been a long time since we specifically prayed for farmers. So, let’s do it… because in praying for them, we are also praying for ourselves, our community, and those who are in need in the present moment.
A friend asked me, “Tell me how we are to pray for farmers?” That’s a great question to ask. So, I shared that question with a long-time farmer for his help. Sometimes, it’s important to go to the source. He was a man of few words; he was a man with farming in his legacy and in his bones. So, I listened and then I put together this list to guide us in our prayers.
PRAY FOR FARMERS’ SAFETY
Every year, there are accidents on the farm – some minor, some horribly tragic. Injuries are frequent. Equipment breaks and sometimes there is never enough time to get clear. Pray that farmers, farm families, and those who work for and with them stay safe.
PRAY FOR FARMERS’ ENERGY AND STAMINA
During some seasons, farmers work around the clock. They need to have energy and stamina. Truth be told, the serious and even not-so-serious accidents tend to occur when we are exhausted. Pray that they (and their wives and families) can gain rest and have stamina to get the jobs done.
PRAY FOR FAIR MARKET PRICES PRAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
All this work means we are not always home together. A lot of farm families try to eat at least one meal together, but it doesn’t always happen. Also, chores on the home front often get passed on to whoever is left at home. My friend said, “Honestly, in these seasons, our children miss us and we miss them. Pray for the families and children and all connected.
PRAY FOR WEATHER
It seems they either need rain or need it to stop. It was a tough blow when the straight winds (more powerful than most tornados) swept through in the blink of an eye. There are not words… we just take the hand of Jesus and ask the God of creation to bless us and help us take the next steps in faith. That God sends angels in godly form and human form to come alongside us. To help us and spiritually “get picked up and carried through the dark valley of the shadow” so we know for certainty that “Thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Pray for God to extend rain and sunshine for a harvest from what remains.
PRAY FOR FARMERS’ HEALTH
With the exhaustion, comes health and mental health concerns. Farmers are also exposed to chemicals whether we are the ones spraying or our neighbor, and they can sometimes make them sick or cause the potential for sickness. Pray for farmers and their families to stay healthy.
Pray for good health for all people… and while you’re at it, pray for livestock.
Farmers and farm families appreciate our prayers… your prayers. They love to hear that others are praying. So, tell them. Over and over again in any way possible.