7 Prayers and Blessings For Animals

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We should pray for our animals, not only because we love them, but also because they are one of God’s beloved creatures. God made everything on earth, including the animals we hold so dear to our hearts. The Bible tells us that the sign of a righteous man is that he takes care of his animals. We are told this in Proverbs 12:10, which says “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” We should lift up our pets and animal friends who are under our care, not only in their times of struggle, but also when they’re okay because they should be lifted up at all times. Remember, anything that concerns us, concerns the Lord. A blessings of animals, which takes place on the Feast Say of St. Francis of Assisi, in many congregations, witnesses to God’s and the Church’s love, care, and concern for creation. As we recognize our mutual interdependence with God’s creatures, the Church’s witness of stewardship of creation is strengthened. If you want to lift up your pet, here are seven prayers and blessings for animals.

A Prayer For the Blessing of an Animal

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Psalm 147:9 tells us that God is concerned for all His creation, including the animals He created. We can take from Scripture that if God takes care of animals, so should we. In fact, it is God’s care for animals that most fully explains our desire to have pets. God created mankind in His image, and we have inherited the part of God’s nature that cares for the animals. If you want to lift up a prayer for the blessing of animal, pray this: Heavenly Father, how great the variety of living things, You have put at our disposal! You told our first parents: "I give you all the animals of the land." Bless this animal. May it carry out the function it has been given and may it aid us to think of You its Creator and give praise and thanks to You forever. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer of Thanks for Animals

Animals are not only God’s creatures, but also a great blessing to us. Those who have pets should love them, provide for them and care for their needs. Loving an animal is a beautiful thing. The care we show an animal entrusted to us is a gauge of personal integrity. The Bible tells us, “A righteous man care for the needs of animals” (Proverbs 12:10). If you want to give God thanks for your pet, pray this prayer: In Your infinite wisdom, Lord God, when You created the universe you blessed us with all living creatures. We especially thank you for giving us our pets who are our friends and who bring us so much joy in life. Their presence very often helps us get through trying times. Kindly bless my pet. May my pet continue giving me joy and remind me of Your power. May we realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all creatures. Amen.

A Prayer For Learning From Animals

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Many parents introduce a pet into their home to teach their children responsibility and other positive character qualities. Such life lessons are definitely biblical. Pets also provide companionship, amusement and unconditional love. It’s why pets are taken to hospitals and nursing homes to interact with people in need. We can learn an incredible deal from animals. If you’re ready to learn from your pet, say this prayer: Help us, dear God, to learn from all wild things. How to live in harmony with our land; how to deal with enemies; how to live in peace with those who are unlike us; how strong is the love of a parent; how the young must learn to grow up; how to enjoy the beauty of strength and life and how to accept death. Amen.

A Prayer For Animals That Are Suffering

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Not only is it important that we pray for healthy pets, but also sick pets that are in need of God’s healing. We know that God has the power to heal the sick and inaugurates a kingdom of peace and justice for all creatures. It’s important that we praise God, who liberates us and all creation from suffering and injustice. As Christ cared for the human poor and despised, so we too are called to care for those in our power, and animals that suffer in our midst. If you are ready to pray for innocent animals who suffer, pray this prayer: Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals, especially for animals who are suffering: for animals that are over-worked, under-fed and cruelly treated: for all wistful creatures in captivity: for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry. Amen.

A Prayer For Animals to Live According to God’s Plan

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We often quote Matthew 10:29-31 to emphasize God’s concern for humans. In this passage, Jesus helped His listeners grasp the extent of God’s concern for them. This isn’t all we learn from this passage, however. Jesus also gave us insight into God’s attitude towards animals. True, humans are “more valuable” than a common little bird, but Jesus didn’t say animals have no value to God. In comparison to humans, the little sparrow has little value, but God still values the life of that little sparrow enough to be moved by its death. Everything that happens is according to God’s plan: Dearest God, maker of all living creatures, I ask You to bless my pet that brings so much joy into my life. By the power of Your love, enable my pet to live according to Your plan. May we always praise You for all Your beauty in creation, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Blessed are You, God, in all Your creatures. Amen.

A Prayer For Sick Pets

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Jesus was known in the Bible as the great healer and there are many healing prayer verses that you will find speaking to those that He healed. Your sick pet can’t ask for prayer but you know what they need and can pray for them. Activate your faith and belief in the healing power of Jesus by lifting up this prayer: Heavenly Father, please help us in our time of need, You have made us stewards of (name of pet). If it is Your will, please restore him (her) to health and strength. I pray too for other animals in need. May they be treated with the care and respect deserving of all Your creation. Blessed are You Lord God, and holy is Your name forever and ever. Amen.

A Prayer in Memory of a Pet

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Most of us share an intense love and bond with our animal companions, so it’s natural to feel devastated by feelings of grief and sadness when a cherished pet dies. The pain of loss can often feel overwhelming and trigger all sorts of painful and difficult emotions. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, you should never feel ashamed about praying for your pet and their memory. If you are ready to do this, pray this prayer: Almighty God, I was fortunate to receive the gift of (pet name) from You. Now that he (she) has left this life, please help me cope with my loss with strength and courage. I know that my beloved companion no longer suffers, and will live on in many fond memories. May they be treated with the care and respect as he (she) has enriched my life I pray that I may enrich the lives of others. Amen.