We Plow the Fields and Scatter (ELW 681, Verse 1)
1 We plow the fields and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God’s almighty hand,
who sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes and the sunshine,
and soft refreshing rain.
Refrain:
All good gifts around us
are sent from heav’n above.
We thank you Lord, we thank you,
Lord, for all your love.
Devotion
I am not a farmer, but farming is still a huge part of every aspect of life here, so that it is also a part of me. As the cold of winter begins to fade and the fields show forth their beautiful black soil, all eyes are upon them and the ones who will ready the land. Watching the activity that comes as the days grow longer and the sun begins to warm the earth is filled with joy and anticipation and prayer. How aware we all are that there is more to be done, much that we cannot do, in order for crops to grow and mature. There is great joy in watching as seed is sown, as shoots spring forth, as luscious green growth takes hold, as plants mature and ripen, until at last there is a harvest. But too there is prayer for the snow in winter and the rain in spring, for the warmth of sun and the breezes too. For it takes God’s gracious hand to grow the crops. And for that we give thanks.
Prayer
With the hymn we offer up our song this day: “All good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above. We thank you, Lord, we thank you, Lord, for all your love.” Amen.