PET BLESSING CEREMONIES
Please select one of the following poems that speak best to your heart. We will use it at the Pet Blessing ceremony.
1. POEM OF “Rainbow Bridge”
-Author Unknown
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again.
There is only one thing missing,
they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group!
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and hug him.
He licks and kisses your face again and again -
and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting
pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart.
———————————————————-
2. “A Blessing of Thanks”
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).
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.
If you want to give God thanks for your pet, let us pray this prayer together:
“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.”
—————————-
3. “A Franciscan style of The Blessing of Pets”
“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”
————————--
4. “Christian Blessing”
O God, whose name is Love, you created this world and all that is in it. We ask you to look with compassion and mercy upon us all. Look upon your whole creation, O God, with your love, grace and mercy. Sustain your world and protect your animal creatures from all natural dangers; and from human exploitation, especially in laboratories, factory farms, traps, sport, entertainment, war and pollution. Empower us to be the advocate and protector for those animals who cannot protect themselves.
Bless all animals who help and comfort humankind in so many ways: As companions, guide dogs, hearing dogs, helpers for disabled people, and in daily work. We remember all those animals at home, those who are sick, or no longer with us but who remain forever within our love and within your love.
Blessed are all living creatures you have made. You keep them in your care and not one is lost without your knowing. They share your divine love with us humans, each in their own way, and speak to us of your beauty and unconditional love.
May we respect them and cherish them for they are your children as well. Through them, may we come to know you better and uplift our humanity as a whole. I’m Jesus name, AMEN.
———————--
5. “MODIFIED ACC "ALPHA AND OMEGA" PRAYER”
Christ Jesus,
You are the beginning and the end.
In you all things were created
and in you all things are redeemed.
Blessed are all living creatures you have made. You keep them in your care and not one is lost without your knowing. They share your divine love with us humans, each in their own way, and speak to us of your beauty and unconditional love.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of all wild things. For they give us examples of 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.
Christ Jesus,
You are Lord of Creation.
It was for all that you gave your life
on the Cross, for which we all are now saved.
Take to your open arms,
our grief for your creation of your wildlife, struggling against extinction;
for the hunted and the trapped;
for the abandoned and the homeless;
for your animals born and bred for food, unnaturally imprisoned and cruelly mistreated, and also for your animals who are suffering and used as experiments in
laboratories. Our hearts plead with you now to carry the pain of your suffering creatures, even to the least and smallest.
Heavenly Father,
We ask you to Bless the animals we have brought here into your Church and we know that you love them as we love them. We give thanks for the creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy. May we learn the value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness, and a new spirit of humility.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is all love, for your whole creation.
Amen.
———————-
6. “Prayer for Animal Burial”
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.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of ———. 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 for another family member; how the young must learn to grow up; how to enjoy the beauty of strength and life and how to accept death.
If you are ready to do this, let us have a moment of silence and feel this prayer in our hearts and soul:
“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. Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of [name of animal] and ask for courage to bear it. 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.
May God, who heals the sick, defends the vulnerable, cares for the poor, and liberates all creation from suffering and injustice, bring us all to that peaceable kingdom when all creatures shall live in harmony and all suffering shall be transformed into joy.
Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. We bring you our thanks for [name of animal] who lived among us and gave us freely of his/her love. We commit our friend and companion [name of animal] into your loving hands. “
Amen.
———————--
7. “A Covenant Liturgy for Human and Animal Companions”
Mindful of our kinship with all living creatures, and our responsibility to care for them, let us renew our covenant with the animals in our care.
Leader: Please now give a name this lovely creature?
Human: (name of animal is given)
Leader: Will you care for [name], and love and protect him/her, in good times and bad, as long as he/she lives?
Human: I will.
(The human companion is invited to touch/pat/stroke the animal as a sign of the covenant reaffirmed between them.)
We give thanks for the creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of 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.
May we learn the deep value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness, and the spirit of humility.
Amen.
1. POEM OF “Rainbow Bridge”
-Author Unknown
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again.
There is only one thing missing,
they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group!
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and hug him.
He licks and kisses your face again and again -
and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting
pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart.
———————————————————-
2. “A Blessing of Thanks”
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).
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.
If you want to give God thanks for your pet, let us pray this prayer together:
“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.”
—————————-
3. “A Franciscan style of The Blessing of Pets”
“Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”
————————--
4. “Christian Blessing”
O God, whose name is Love, you created this world and all that is in it. We ask you to look with compassion and mercy upon us all. Look upon your whole creation, O God, with your love, grace and mercy. Sustain your world and protect your animal creatures from all natural dangers; and from human exploitation, especially in laboratories, factory farms, traps, sport, entertainment, war and pollution. Empower us to be the advocate and protector for those animals who cannot protect themselves.
Bless all animals who help and comfort humankind in so many ways: As companions, guide dogs, hearing dogs, helpers for disabled people, and in daily work. We remember all those animals at home, those who are sick, or no longer with us but who remain forever within our love and within your love.
Blessed are all living creatures you have made. You keep them in your care and not one is lost without your knowing. They share your divine love with us humans, each in their own way, and speak to us of your beauty and unconditional love.
May we respect them and cherish them for they are your children as well. Through them, may we come to know you better and uplift our humanity as a whole. I’m Jesus name, AMEN.
———————--
5. “MODIFIED ACC "ALPHA AND OMEGA" PRAYER”
Christ Jesus,
You are the beginning and the end.
In you all things were created
and in you all things are redeemed.
Blessed are all living creatures you have made. You keep them in your care and not one is lost without your knowing. They share your divine love with us humans, each in their own way, and speak to us of your beauty and unconditional love.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of all wild things. For they give us examples of 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.
Christ Jesus,
You are Lord of Creation.
It was for all that you gave your life
on the Cross, for which we all are now saved.
Take to your open arms,
our grief for your creation of your wildlife, struggling against extinction;
for the hunted and the trapped;
for the abandoned and the homeless;
for your animals born and bred for food, unnaturally imprisoned and cruelly mistreated, and also for your animals who are suffering and used as experiments in
laboratories. Our hearts plead with you now to carry the pain of your suffering creatures, even to the least and smallest.
Heavenly Father,
We ask you to Bless the animals we have brought here into your Church and we know that you love them as we love them. We give thanks for the creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy. May we learn the value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness, and a new spirit of humility.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is all love, for your whole creation.
Amen.
———————-
6. “Prayer for Animal Burial”
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.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of ———. 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 for another family member; how the young must learn to grow up; how to enjoy the beauty of strength and life and how to accept death.
If you are ready to do this, let us have a moment of silence and feel this prayer in our hearts and soul:
“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. Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of [name of animal] and ask for courage to bear it. 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.
May God, who heals the sick, defends the vulnerable, cares for the poor, and liberates all creation from suffering and injustice, bring us all to that peaceable kingdom when all creatures shall live in harmony and all suffering shall be transformed into joy.
Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. We bring you our thanks for [name of animal] who lived among us and gave us freely of his/her love. We commit our friend and companion [name of animal] into your loving hands. “
Amen.
———————--
7. “A Covenant Liturgy for Human and Animal Companions”
Mindful of our kinship with all living creatures, and our responsibility to care for them, let us renew our covenant with the animals in our care.
Leader: Please now give a name this lovely creature?
Human: (name of animal is given)
Leader: Will you care for [name], and love and protect him/her, in good times and bad, as long as he/she lives?
Human: I will.
(The human companion is invited to touch/pat/stroke the animal as a sign of the covenant reaffirmed between them.)
We give thanks for the creatures who live alongside us as companions and friends; for their loyalty, love, and trust which enrich our lives and give us joy.
Let us always remember to learn from the quiet wisdom and steadfastness of 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.
May we learn the deep value of kindness, the power of mercy, the strength of gentleness, and the spirit of humility.
Amen.