The Rogation Days
[Since the official Kalender sites don't have their BIO of the Rogation Days up (yet), I've reproduced it here. Parts of this, and all of the Prayers and Readings, come from James Kiefer's BIOs. Enjoy. ]
The Rogation Days are three (or four) days focused on agriculture and nature, where we pray for a good harvest, fruitful crops, good weather, and protection from flood, tornado, earthquake, and other natural disasters. Traditionally the Church offers these requests on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before the Feast of the Ascension, although some churches also add the Sunday before Ascension, before Rogation Monday. (The Catholic Church marks April 25 as the Major Rogation, and the days before Ascension as the Minor Rogation.)
Rogation comes from the Latin rogatio and French rogare, meaning "to ask." Fifth-century France was beset with a number of natural disasters, including floods, failing harvests, and an earthquake on Ascension (which always falls on a Thursday). In response to these calamities Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne, called for three days of prayer, fasting, and repentance, and this quickly became the custom for the three days preceding Ascension.
The observance of Rogation Days spread throughout Europe (In England, the days are also known as Gang-Days, Gang-Week, or Cross-Week.) Many churches led a procession around the town or parish boundaries on one of the Rogation Days, chanting a litany to the saints and offering prayers for a good year. This practice became known as "beating the bounds." George Herbert recommends this practice in A Country Parson (see chapter 25).
Many churches in farming communities continue to observe a traditional Rogation.Other churches are adapting the Rogation services to a technology-based society.
Prayers
(traditional language) Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that thy gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who constantly receive all good things from thy hand, may always give thee thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(contemporary language) Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Suggested Readings
Deuteronomy 11:10-15 (The LORD promises the Israelites good weather, timely rainfall, and abundant harvest in the land that will be theirs, provided that they serve Him faithfully.)
Ezekiel 47:6-12 (Ezekiel, in a vision, beholds a river that teems with an abundance of fish for food, and the banks are lined with pleasant trees.)
Jeremiah 14:1-9 (A lament: the land is desolate for lack of water. The prophet begs the LORD to forgive the sins of the people and restore them to favor.)
Psalm 147 (or 147:1-13) ("Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving.... He makes grass to grow upon the mountains.... He provides foor for flocks and herds.... He gives his statures and judgements to Israel.")
Romans 8:18-25 (God is about to liberate, not only us, but the entire universe.)
Mark 4:26-32 (Jesus said: The kingdom of God is like a tiny buried seed which mysteriously sprouts into a great plant.)
P.S. If you're interested, the Major Rogation on April 25 was Pope Gregory the Great's attempt to co-opt (and thus suppress) an ancient Roman custom called the Robigalia, where people prayed to thegods of fungus/mildew/rust to spare their crops.