The Bishop of Exeter is asking all church communities to pray for farmers and farming communities this Sunday.
Farmers are facing a crisis now that is as every bit as bad as the foot and mouth epidemic in 2001, said Bishop Michael.
Bishop Michael arrived as bishop of the Diocese of Exeter shortly before the foot and mouth crisis, a time that left a deep mark on his ministry, he has said.
"This time it is a combination of the terrible Schmallenberg virus, which has led to some farmers losing as many as 60 per cent of their lambs, the long winter which has delayed sowing of this year's crop and the continuing incidents of bovine TB.
"Farming is still the lifeblood of so many of our communities in Devon. Even in our cities, we are never far from the rural landscape. I am asking all our churches to pray especially this Sunday, Rogation Sunday, for our farmers and their families. And as well as pray, I'd urge people to think practically how they can help – for most people this is by trying to ensure they support local producers and farmers when they do their shopping as well as demanding a fair price for farmers from supermarkets."
Rogation Sunday is the Sunday when churches pray for agriculture in general and the success of this year's harvest in particular, so it is appropriate the call to prayer is heard on this day.
Bishop Michael has written a prayer which has been sent round all Devon's 506 Church of England churches:Prayer for use on May 5, 2013
Lord our God, you have created the Universe by your eternal Word and blessed us by granting to us the stewardship of the earth. We pray for your world, that all may faithfully conserve and share its resources, living in reverence for your creation, and in harmony one with another;
We pray for all who work in agriculture and the production of food, especially within this County of Devon, giving thanks for all who provide us with our daily bread. Grant that they might use their skills wisely and produce their products with dignity so that our satisfaction might not be at the expense of placing others in need;
And for our health and wholeness, fill our hunger with the food that lasts, even the bread of God which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world; in the name of the Father and of The Son and of The Holy Spirit. Amen
