St. Matthew 6: 5 – 15; Rogation Monday

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

What is Rogation, you ask. These should help:

Rogation is an ancient church festival to seek blessing for a community and its sustenance. The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask”, which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities.

solemn supplication, especially as chanted during procession on the three days (Rogation Days ) before Ascension Day.

The word rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask”, which reflects the beseeching of God for protection from calamities. As the Book of Common Prayer puts it: “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry.”

So now you understand why today’s verses are so important – first, we have to know how to pray and Jesus instructs us how that’s to be done and what is to be said.

Today, along with prayers for good outcomes for agriculture and industry, it would be apropos to pray for our country. It doesn’t take any imagination at all to see that evil is afoot across the country and it feels like America is being torn apart from the inside, like the movie Aliens. But first, remember to beg God’s forgiveness for all the things legislated that are against His word. Pray for a strengthening of believers and pray for an awakening in non-believers. Pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church. Pray.