Farming is such a noble and essential calling, serving the wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants. It is often painful to be a farmer these days. You can steward the land and water well, take good care of God’s creatures, and, with God’s help, produce abundantly–and still be in danger of going under because prices are so low. Many factors contribute to the struggle. Whether it’s debt, or problems finding dependable labor, or pressure from neighbors who don’t understand what farming is all about, or something else, farming is tough.
I came across the National Catholic Rural Life Conference website, and I discovered this prayer and more there:
Prayer for Farm Families in Crisis
O God, they call it “farm crisis!”
Our costs are up and prices for our produce down.
The loan is due and there’s no money to buy this year’s
seed.
We feel alone, embarrassed in our need, like failures in our
efforts to farm.
The harder we work, the worse it seems to get.
There’s no laughter or joy anymore, just a constant
struggle to believe, to hope and to keep trying.
Strengthen us, God.
Keep us gentle and yet firm, generous yet open to receive.
Let us see your face in those who want to help and don’t
know how.
Grant us perseverance and openness to your will.
Hold our family close as we do our best to know and act
according to your will in the days ahead.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Please remember to pray for our farmers!
The Mustard Seed Journal 
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