Animal Prayers and Poems

"The value of a society is based upon its kindness to animals."
~Albert Schweitzer~

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged
by the way its animals are treated."
~Gandhi~

A Prayer for Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for any that are hunted or lost
or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put to sleep.
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 be true friends to animals
and so to share
the blessings of the merciful.

~Albert Schweitzer~

St. Francis of Assisi's Prayer For Animals

God Our Heavenly Father, You created the world to serve humanity's
needs and to lead them to You. By our own fault we have lost the
beautiful relationship which we once had with all your creation. Help
us to see that by restoring our relationship with You we will also
restore it with all Your creation. Give us the grace to see all animals
as gifts from You and to treat them with respect for they are Your
creation. We pray for all animals who are suffering as a result of
our neglect. May the order You originally established be once again
restored to the whole world through  the intercession of the Glorious
Virgin Mary, the prayers of St. Francis and the merits of Your Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ Who lives and reigns with You now and forever.
Amen

Request From Rainbow Bridge

Weep not for me though I am gone Into that gentle night Grieve if you
will, but not for long Upon my soul's sweet flight. I am at peace, my
soul's at rest There is no need for tears. For with your love I was so
blessed For all those many years. There is no pain, I suffer not, The
fear now all is gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts, In your
memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath Remember not the
strife Please do not dwell upon my death, But celebrate my life.

~Author Unknown~

The Cat's Prayer

Although I am too proud to beg, and may appear to be a very independent
creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my
well being much more than you may realize.

This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you
nor will I demand more of you than you care to give.

I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon;
a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to
rest your weary ears.

Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations, I
pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily.

You know dear friend, how I love to go. Allow me, I pray, a warm
sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure.

If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend me
gently, and see that I am treated by loving and competent hands.

Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture
me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and
am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts.

In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become to
great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my
closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing.

Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you.

~Author Unknown~

Cat's Prayer

I hope I'm not asking too much, Lord, All I want is a home of my own,
And to know when my next meal is coming Instead of the scraps
I get thrown.

I've been out in the cold for so long now, Coping as best as I can,
But it's not so long I've forgotten The touch of a soft caring hand.

I look in house windows at Christmas, As cats doze by the fire,
quite replete - How I'd welcome a box in the kitchen, And tasty
food for me to eat.

For me there was tinsel and gift wrap, But the fun didn't last very
long - They put me out with the rubbish; I don't know what I did wrong.

I really don't want to be greedy, At the moment I'm all skin and bone,
So would it be too much to hope for, That someone will give me a home?

~Author Unknown~

Farewell

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamonds gilt on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand by my grave and cry:
I am not there.
I did not die.

~Mary Frye~
(1942)