On blessing pets
Amazingly this afternoon the weather produced enough sunshine for us to sit outside in the churchyard for our annual “thanksgiving for and blessing of pets” service. The problem is, this a real temptation to seriously dodgy liturgy and dubious theology, between an overblown environmentalism and gushing sentimentality.
When I was looking for resources I was miserably disappointed. And was this site serious (I’m afraid to say that it thinks it is!)? Fun is good, but “pet mitzvahs” and “muttrimony” ceremonies are just too gobsmackingly appalling for words.
So, in case anyone else is both willing to be foolhardy and wanting to remain moderately orthodox, I thought I’d post two liturgical resources I crafted for the occasion. If you ever face the same dilemma and like them, feel free to use them.
Prayers of Intercession
Loving God,
we thank you for your wonderful creation
which existed before us,
and which you have told us to care for.
Help us look after your world.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Maker of all,
we thank you for the gift of love,
and especially the love you give us through pets.
Help us to treat them with love,
and respect their uniqueness.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Eternal Friend,
we pray for all those who are lonely,
and whose main companion is their pet.
May the gift of love brighten their lives.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
God of the promises,
your word tells of a time
when the lion will lie down with the lamb.
We remember all who have died,
family members, friends and pets,
with thanks for the love we have shared,
and in hope for the day
when all creation will be at peace
and the world lives in love and joy.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Blessing of the animals
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
we praise you for the wonderful world you have made
and for the gift of love you give us for and from our pets.
Help us to treat all living creatures with respect and kindness.
Bless + these animals,
that our lives may be enriched by theirs,
and their lives find a blessing in our love,
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord,
through whom you created all things,
and in whom you make creation perfect. Amen.
July 8th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
“Blessing” a pet is like blessing a turnip. Both are theologically and biblically unjustifiable.
July 8th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
One is tempted to all sorts of silly thoughts but blessing is legit for all things - the Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it - so we bless as thanksgiving for all life. Many animals have been messengers of the Most High for me and my wife from my pet rat to stray dogs and cattle. Why else would Jonah note the cattle or the Psalmist? Here’s a thought written c 1994 on rattus rattus macdonaldus http://bmd.gx.ca/sataft.html and another on the soul of the beast http://bmd.gx.ca/sataft.html citing Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart.
July 8th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
second link should be http://bmd.gx.ca/animal_as_soul.htm
July 8th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Jim, have you never said grace before eating a turnip?
On a more serious note: Gen 1:21-22. If it’s good enough for God …
July 9th, 2007 at 3:54 am
Thanks for the prayers. I will use them the next time around.
I’ve really enjoyed, wherever I’ve served United Methodist congregations, introducing this practice. For kids especially, it’s a memorable moment. This is farm country, so I can usually find someone to bring animals big and small into the sanctuary during the worship service. The last time around included a (fixed) skunk and a llama. The pets that kids bring to be blessed has ranged from horses to lizards. I’ve sometimes wondered if there are rules somewhere about what pets are kosher for blessing and what not. My favorite pets as a a kid were toads and salamanders, so whom am I be finicky.
If Jim West reads this, he may be grossed out even more, but here goes. In preparation for All Saints Sunday, I gather the elementary school kids in the narthex. We make a circle on the carpeted floor, in darkness except for candles lit for loved ones that have passed. We talk about death and eternal life. “Have you ever grieved because you lost someone you really loved?” I ask. Often the kids tell, sometimes through tears, of the death of a beloved pet. Sometimes the candles they prepare are for the pets.
But rest assured, we don’t pray to pets, dead or alive. In fact, we don’t pray to anyone, except the Triune God.