A SERVICE FOR THE BLESSING OF ANIMALS 

PRELUDE

WELCOME AND GREETING

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:       Bless the Lord, all you his creatures,

All:            And forget not all his benefits.

Leader:       Let us pray.

      Most high, omnipotent good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of Saint Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy.

      O God, you have made us and all living things. You are even more wonderful than what you have made. We thank you for giving us these pets who bring us joy. As you take care of us, so also we ask your help that we might take care of those who trust us to look after them. By doing this, we share in your own love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

All:            Amen.

SCRIPTURE          Romans 8: 18 – 25

            Person

Prayer of Confession

Leader:     Let us confess our sins to God:

All:           Almighty God and Creator of all, You have chosen humankind for a position of special responsibility in your world; we have failed to respond in awe at Your wonders; we have misinterpreted our role of dominion and abused our power. We have caused the animal kingdom needless suffering. Forgive us as we seek anew the vision which You set before us, and as we strive to respond to Your call; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN            “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”

            Person, Song Leader
 

Psalter          Psalm 104

            Person, Liturgist

Sung Response : Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who rules all creation.

Leader:       You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

                  they flow between the hills;

All:            they give drink to every beast of the field;

                  the wild animals quench their thirst.

Leader:       Above the springs the birds of the air have their nests;

                  they sing among the branches.

All:            From your lofty place you water the mountains;

                  with the fruit of your work the earth is satisfied.  R

RECOGNITION OF ANIMAL CARE GIVERS

            SPECIAL HONORING OF a Person

COLLECT

O Lord, give us humility to thank You for the creation of animals, who can show affection which sometimes puts us to shame. Enlarge our respect for these your creatures, of whom we are the guardians. And give us a sense of responsibility towards all your creation, for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

HYMN                      “Blest Are They”

Refrain :     Rejoice and be glad! Blessed are you, holy are you.

                  Rejoice and be glad! Yours is the kingdom of God!

                  Blest are they, the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.

                  Blest are they, full of sorrow; they shall be consoled.  R

                  Blest are they, the lowly ones; they shall inherit the earth.

                  Blest are they who hunger and thirst;

                  they shall have their fill.  R

                  Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.

                  Blest are they, the pure of heart; they shall see God.  R

                  Blest are they who seek peace; they are the children of God.

                  Blest are they who suffer in faith; the glory of God is theirs. R

                  Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me.

                  Rejoice and be glad, yours is the kingdom.

                  Shine for all to see.  R

GATHERED PRAYERS OF COMMUNITY

 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS (Said by minister)

Bless, O Lord, this creature and fill our hearts with thanksgiving for their being.