The book of Genesis tells us that God created the fish and birds on day five and on day six land-dwelling animals and man. From the beginning, God has given us dominion over the creatures of the earth and a responsibility to care for all creation. This short reflection is perfect to share with friends or groups, especially at worship time or Sunday school.
Prayer
The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth and the sea.
They share in the fortunes of human existence, and have a part in human life.
God, who confers gifts on all living things, has often used the service of animals or made them reminders of the gifts of salvation.
Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah. (Genesis 9:9–10)
The Paschal Lamb recalls the Passover sacrifice and the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. (Exodus 12:3–14)
A giant fish saved Jonah; (Jonah 2:1–10)
ravens brought bread to Elijah; (1 Kings 17:6)
animals were included in the repentance of Nineveh; (Jonah 3:7)
and animals share in Christ's redemption of all God's creation.
We, therefore, invoke God's blessing on these animals.
As we do so, let us praise the Creator and thank God for setting us as stewards over all the creatures of the earth.
Tag
This prayer is an excerpt from A Service for the Blessing of Animals by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Joe Iovino.
This video was first posted on August 15, 2018.
