Prayer for Animals and Their Masters

Today is our Blessing of the Animals event and the following prayer is offered for those whose lives are touched by all of God's creatures:

Hear our humble prayer, O God,

for our friends, the animals,

especially for those who are suffering;

for animals that are overworked,

underfed, and cruelly treated;

for all the wistful creatures in captivity,

that beat their wings against bars;

for any that are hunted or lost or deserted,

or frightened or hungry;

for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all
Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them,
we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves,
to be true friends to animals
and so to share
the blessings of the Merciful.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer