Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord
All: Who made heaven and earth
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. He said, "Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants, and fruit trees bearing fruit with their seeds inside, on the earth." And so it was. The earth produced vegetation: plants bearing seeds in their various kinds, and trees bearing fruit with their seed inside in their several kinds. God saw that it was good.
All respond: Praised be You, my Lord, in all Your creatures.
Leader: Bless the Lord, O my soul.
O Lord my God, you are very great.
You are clothed with honour and majesty,
wrapped in light as in a garment.
All: You cause the grass to grow for the cattle,
and plants for people to cultivate,
to bring forth food from the earth,
and wine to gladden the human heart,
oil to make the face shine,
and bread to strengthen the human heart.
Leader: O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
All: These all look to you
to give them their food in due season;
when you give to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
Leader: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
All: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Leader: Let us pray:
All: Blessed are You, Lord God,
creator of the universe.
You are the giver and sustainer of life,
bringing forth the fruits of the earth
to feed and nourish Your people.
We cultivate the land and sow the seed,
but you alone, Lord, can give the growth.
Let Your blessing lie upon this land,
bringing gentle rains and ripening sun
for a joyful harvest.
Give us the grace to use Your gifts well,
that the poor may be fed
and the hungry filled with good things.
Then and always shall we give You glory,
Father of all. Amen.