A Prayer for Animals

Hear our
 humble prayer,
 O God,
 for our friends
 the animals,
 especially for animals
 who are suffering;
 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