top of page

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Chester, Vermont

St. Francis of Assisi

Blessing of the Animals liturgy

​

Leader: The Lord be with you.

All : And also with you. 

 

Leader: Let us pray.

Leader and people:  Most high, omnipotent good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed 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 animals accompanying us to day.  They bring us joy and a sense of Christ’s presence.   As you take care of us, so also we ask your help that we might take care of those who trust us to look respect and value them.  By doing this, we share in your own love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen.

​

PRAYERS

 

Leader: Let us give thanks to God our Creator for all the gifts so freely bestowed upon us and for the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea;

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: For the richness of the mountains, plains and rivers;

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women;

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: For all creatures that breathe, and move, and have life;

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: For the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers and trees;

All: We thank you, Lord.

 

Leader: For the trust you have shown in giving into our care our animal companions;

All: We thank you, Lord.  

​

Leader: That each animal here may be treasured with care;

All: We pray to you, Lord.

 

Leader: That we may love and honor all your works, O God;

All: We pray to you, Lord.

 

Leader: That we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation;

All: To the honor and glory of your name, now and forever, we pray to you, Lord.  Amen

THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS   

Leader:  May you be blessed in the Name God, the Creator, Redeemer and of the Sustainer. May you and your animals enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you.
Amen.
 

PRESENTING THE ANIMALS FOR A BLESSING

(The ministers of this service will circulate among you, carrying a bowl of blessed water. When we approach you, we will ask you to introduce by name your animal companion.)

 

Minister:   Please introduce your animal companion by name. _________________________

                   And please give us your name as well.

Minister:  Please dip your hand into the blessed water, place your dampened hand on your companion.

                   And say with me:

                            We bless you  (NAME)  with holy baptismal water and give God thanks for you.  May God’s love surround you today and always. 

Amen.   

THE CLOSING PRAYER

Leader and people:  Almighty God, our great Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honor and all blessings! To you alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world. May we think of you and thank you when we realize they share creation’s blessings with us.  O God, your world is wonderful. May we all come into your even greater world of the kingdom of heaven where we shall see even more wonderful things and where we shall live and love forever. This we ask to your eternal praise, and to our blessing.
Amen.
 

CLOSING BLESSING

​

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord show his face to you and have compassion on you! May God turn his face to you and give you peace! And the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with you now and always.

Amen.

THE CLOSING PRAYER (said together) Almighty God, our great Creator, yours are the praise, the glory, the honor and all blessings! To you alone do all things belong. Be praised for giving us the animals, birds and fish which fill your world. May we think of you and thank you when we realize they share creation’s blessings with us.  O God, your world is wonderful. May we all come into your even greater world of the kingdom of heaven where we shall see even more wonderful things and where we shall live and love forever. This we ask to your eternal praise, and to our blessing. Amen.
bottom of page