Catholics and other Christians believe that praying is important, and that we should offer our intercessions on behalf of everyone, especially for those that we love. Thus, it makes sense to offer prayer for our pet companions that loyally give us love, and joy. These pet prayers and devotions are a great way to regularly think about, send out intentions for, and offer thanks for your dog, cat, and other pets and animals. These prayers also work for farm animals and even wild animals. In the Catholic tradition, animals play an important role; they are mentioned regularly in Scripture, and in tradition as well (see the life of St. Francis of Assisi for example). If you are interested in prayers for healing for humans check out our new healing prayers page!
Prayer for a Pet - This is a prayer for any pet (cat, dog, etc) that reminds us that animals are a part of creation that God redeemed when he became flesh in Jesus Christ.
Prayer for a Lost Pet - Pet owners often feel heartache when a pet goes missing. This is a prayer to help an owner recover a lost pet.
Prayer for a Cat - This is a prayer specifically written for a cat.
Prayer for a Dog - This is a prayer specifically written for a dog.
A Pet Blessing
Dearest God, Heavenly Father
maker of all living creatures,
we ask you to bless (name of pet),
who brings so much joy into our lives.
By the power of Your love,
enable him (her) to live according to your plan.
May we always praise You for all Your beauty in creation.
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
Blessed are You, God, in all Your creatures!
Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation.
Blessing of an Animal
Almighty and Generous Providence
how great the variety of living things,
You have put at our disposal!
You told our first parents:
"I give you all the animals of the land."
Some can be used as food,
or for labor or transportation,
but also for our companionship and recreation.
Bless this animal.
May it carry out the function it has been given
and may it aid us to think of You its Creator
and give praise and thanks to You forever.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord.
New St. Joseph People's Prayer Book.
Prayer of Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis
and the merits of Your Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Who lives and reigns with You
now and forever. Amen.
St. Francis of Assisi, additions added later
Prayer for a Sick Pet
Heavenly Father,
Please help us in our time of need,
You have made us stewards of (name of pet).
If it is Your will, please restore him (her)
to health and strength.
I pray too for other animals in need.
May they be treated with the care and respect
deserving of all Your creation.
Blessed are You Lord God,
and holy is Your name for ever and ever
Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation.
Prayer in Memory of a Pet
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.
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. Amen.
Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation.
Prayer for Animals and Their Masters
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.
Albert Schweitzer, from a Catholic Prayer Book
ChurchYear.Net Online Prayer Book
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In the course of a year, the Church celebrates the unfolding of the mystery of Christ, beginning with Advent, anticipating his first coming, and reaching a high point at Easter, the feast of feasts, celebrating Christ's resurrection. Through the Church Year, which includes the seasonal, daily, and yearly cycles of Christian time, we commemorate, and participate in, events in the lives of Jesus and his followers, through sanctified time. Thus, we experience in symbol what Jesus and his followers did in reality. We do this through daily prayer (The Liturgy of the Hours), worship, the Eucharist, the sacraments, art, changing colors, canticles, psalms, antiphons, symbols, and other means.
The Church Year, including all liturgical celebrations and times of prayer, is one of the most meaningful dimensions of the Catholic faith. Many Christians of all traditions feel drawn to this system of holy time, and prefer to orient their lives around the Christian calendar instead of the secular calendar. Postmodern men and women feel especially drawn to many elements of Sanctified Time: mystery, connection to the past, and a multitude of religious symbols and experiential elements. Thus the Church Year is a postmodern Catholic evangelism tool, and a means of spiritual growth for all who use it.
We now have All About... pages for every season of the Church Year, and have many All About... pages for various feasts, fasts, and holy days of the Church Year. Each All About... page has a history, general facts, scriptural references, traditions, symbols, links, worship resources, sermons, an FAQ, and more material related to the particular season or holy day. We also have a helpful Church Year and Liturgy Dictionary, to define certain unfamiliar terms and practices. We are expanding our resources to include general prayers, language resources, and other tools peripherally related to celebrating the Church Year, but still important to its celebration. Enjoy!
If you have any suggestions or information you would like to add to our Church Year. Net pages, please contact us.
This page compiled by David Bennett
