THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
With confidence and trust let us pray to our Father God:
We thank you, Father, for all animals and creatures on the Earth who teach us how to rely on you with simplicity and humility. Thank you for how they teach us how to worship and praise you every day for all that we receive from you. Bless their habitats and environment, their health and well-being, that they may continue to teach us of Your wisdom, goodness and grace:
Father, our Creator, hear us.
We thank you, Father, for veterinarians and all those working in the world to protect endangered and suffering animals and creatures. We thank you for those who support and care for bird and animal sanctuaries. As we hold before you all people who are suffering in violent and war torn areas of the world we pray that we may honour all life and work to protect and rescue our animal brethren from the suffering of poaching, hunting and blood sports.
Father, our Creator, hear us.
Father, you gave us responsibility to care for and nurture all that you have made with humility and respect. We grieve for all the damage we have done to the homes and habitats of both people and our animal friends on the earth, in the oceans, forests and mountains. Help us to restore the environment for all of us to live together in joy, love and peace.
Father, our Creator, hear us.
We thank you, Father, for all the good things we receive from our animal friends – clothing, protection, transport and food. We thank you for our special companions who enrich our lives every day – for their love, friendship and devotion. May we see reflected in them the goodness and love of God.
Forgive us, Lord, when animals die or suffer needlessly at our hands. Forgive us, Father that we often see their lives as so very cheap compared to ours. Thank you for the example of Brother Francis of Assisi who showed us what living in community in God’s Kingdom of Love should be.
Father, our Creator, hear us.
Father, we hold before you all those who are in need in our families, among our friends and in our community. We ask for your blessing, provision and healing for our human and animal friends whom we bring before you now…
Father, our Creator, hear us.