THE Our Father is currently leading the way as 'Ireland's Favourite Prayer' in a vote being held at a Co Carlow ploughing competition.
It is being followed closely by the Guardian Angel prayer, while the three others on the shortlist are the Hail Mary, the Memorare and the Rosary.
The Prayer at the Ploughing is one of several initiatives being organised by the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin to coincide with the 88th National Ploughing Championships.
The three-day competition in Ballintrane is expected to attract more than 250,000 visitors from around the world and is designed to showcase Irish food, farming and culture.
A spokesperson from the Catholic Communications Office said people have taken the prayer vote "to their hearts".
She said: "We have had hundreds voting so far and it's only the first day. The traditional prayers we are all so comfortable with are the ones coming to the fore."
Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, is also inviting people to compose a new prayer focusing on care for the environment.
He said: “It’s so important we as a diocese are present in the middle of Europe’s biggest outdoor event, responding to the call of Pope Francis to be present to people in the midst of their busy and hectic lives.
"Farming community are the backbone of many of our rural parishes in Ireland and contribute so much to church life. I find people respond so positively to our presence here”.
The theme of the diocesan stand at the event is ‘Digging Deeper - Rooting for Christ’ a continuation of the bishop's campaign exploring new ways for people to understand their faith.
Visitors to the stand can spend time in prayer or listen to soloists and choirs while farmers and gardeners will be given blessed salt for their soil.
The winning prayers will be announced tomorrow, the final day of the championships.
