Great spirit of life, 
We pray today for our animal friends, 
Grateful for their companionship and devotion. 
By our kindness to them, 
May we be worthy of their love.

We pray also for pets who are gone from us, 
But who brighten our days 
And who comforted us by night.

We pray for animals unknown to us 
Who are suffering, 
For many that are hunted or deserted or tortured. 
We ask for them pity and mercy. 
And for those who handle them 
We ask a heart of compassion, gentle hands, and kind words.

Help us to be true friends to the animals 
And love them and keep them and bless them 
All the days of our lives. Amen.

This prayer was inspired by Kenneth McLoud, Director of Religious Education, Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, LA. He wrote, quoting Albert Schweitzer, “We ask a heart of compassion/ and gentle hands/ and kindly words.”