All of God's creatures have rights, a fact that most people don't seem to recognize.
This includes both human and non-human animals, but not all of them can speak for themselves.
A Prayer for Animals
By Anonymous
Almighty God, we come together to thank you for the beauty and glory and of your creation; to praise you for your holiness and grace; to acknowledge our responsibility to animals for our use of the created world. But, first of all, we pray for your forgiveness because of our part in sins of thoughtlessness and cruelty towards animal life.
Almighty God, you have given us temporary lordship of your beautiful creation. But we have misused our power, turned away from responsibility and marred your image in us.
Forgive us, true Lord, especially for our callousness and cruelty to animals. Help us to follow the way of Jesus Christ, who expressed power in humility and lordship in loving service. Enable us, by your spirit, to walk in newness of life, healing injury, avoiding wrong and making peace with all your creatures. God of everlasting love, who is eternally forgiving; pardon and restore us, and make us one with you in your creation.
Amen
Return to Spiritual and Inspirational Poetry