Personal, Pulpit, Prayers

My sweetest, most beloved cat, Oliver, was diagnosed with cancer. We began the long road of treatment: leg amputation, chemo, vet visit after vet visit…. It is painful and tedious, and too much to handle sometimes. In the midst of all our change, all our upheaval, all our adjustments, we cannot lose Oliver. He is a source of comfort and peace. He is our steady companion and friend.
When I was asked to pray on October 3rd, even though we were focused on World Communion Sunday, my heart was focused on St. Francis. I wanted to pray for the animals in our lives, for creation, for environment. My heart was with Oliver on October 3rd, so I brought the personal to the pulpit and the pastoral prayer. I did not name Oliver in my prayer, but instead, I held him in my heart as I prayed for and with Lindenwood.

Pastoral Prayer, October 3rd, 2010

Adapted from the Canticle of all Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Creator,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honor and all blessings.
We praise you, sweet Spirit for all Your creatures,
especially for the sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light, beautiful and radiant with great splendor.
We praise You, gentle peacemaker, for the moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, our source and sustainer, for wind and air,
for all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise you, thoughtful shepherd, for water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, our guide, for our Earth who sustains and governs us,
producing fruits and flowers and herbs.
We praise you, our loyal companion for the loving animals and pets that we adore.
While our brother and sister churches hold Animal Blessings today during service, we ask for a simple blessing upon all the animals in our lives through our worship today.
Thank you for your steadfast love and compassion in our lives.
We pray all these things in Jesus’ sweet name, Amen.