Around the year 1225 CE, shortly before his death, Saint Francis of Assisi penned the words to All Creatures Of Our God and King. On October 4th we celebrate this Saint's Feast Day, in conjunction with the anniversary of his death. He died in the year 1226 CE.
Saint Francis is known for his love of animals and care for the environment. One of the ways in which we celebrate Saint Francis is that often times churches will have A Service for The Blessing of the Animals. This service is meant to point to our calling as Christians to not only love God and neighbor but also to love and care for God's creation and creatures. From the beginning we were charged with the responsibility to be good stewards of all of creation.
A Blessing for the Animals
by Charissa Jaeger-Sanders
Gracious and Loving God
You who made all of creation
We come this day to celebrate all Your creation
Of the animals we raise to You
The furry, the featherd, the finned
And those without fur, feathers, or fins
They are each wonderfully made
Pointing to You Creator God
You who pays attention to every detail
We praise Your whimsy and sense of humor
In making animals like the duck billed platypus
We praise Your compassion
In giving us a heart for animals and welcoming them into our hearts,
lives, and homes
We praise Your majesty
When we see animals like the eagle soar and the lion roar
We realize Your Greatness and Strength
When we see animals like the Great Whale, the Elephant, and the
Grizzly Bear
We see Your love when we notice how animals care for one another
when we see creatures like Meerkats and Monkeys
We even see You in the smallest of creatures
In animals like ants, dragonflies, butterflies, and bees
We see Your Enduring Presence
In the animals that survive in harsher climates like the deserts and
the tundras
All of Creation bears Your fingerprints and handiwork
Your Holy Spirit breathes life into all things
You care for the birds that soar in the skies, the fish and creatures that swim in the seas and waters, and those that walk, crawl, and slither on the land
Since the Beginning You have used animals in Your service
Bless these animals in our lives, seen and unseen
Give us eyes to see them as You see them
And Hearts to love them as You love them
May we never take them for granted, exploit them, or abuse them
Bless these animals and all animals
That when we see them we see Your care for all creation
Send us out into the world loving as You love
In the Name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Pour out Your Blessings and Presence on All Creation
Your Kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven
Amen.
Activity:
Take some time this week, to do a prayer walk in nature. Get outside. Walk and pray. Notice all of God's wonderful creation. Pray for each part -- from the tinies of creatures to the largest, for all plants and animals. As you walk and pray be mindful of the God who loves you, created you, and created all good gifts in the world.
As you celebrate Saint Francis, may his words inspire and guide you:
All Creatures Of Our God and King
1. All creatures of our God and King,
lift up your voice and with us sing,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
O brother sun with golden beam,
O sister moon with silver gleam!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain,
by which all creatures ye sustain,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. O sister water, flowing clear,
make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O brother fire who lights the night,
providing warmth, enhancing sight,
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. Dear mother earth, who day by day
unfoldest bleassings on our way,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God's glory also show!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
5. All ye who are of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on him cast your care!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
6. And thou, our sister, gentle death,
waiting to hush our latest breath,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
and Christ our Lord the way has trod,
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
7. Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!