A Prayer about God’s Gift of Furry Friends

The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6

Comforting Creator,

As I take my eleven-year-old dog to the vet today, 

I am thinking about the animal friends you give us. 

They show us your delight and welcome 

as they jump up and down in glee 

every time we return home. 

They show us your steadfast love

as they reliably appear at our sides 

whenever they sense we need the comfort 

of petting them. 

They show us your protection 

as they bark like crazy every time 

the UPS truck approaches. 

They show us your forgiveness 

when they snuggle up to us 

even after we left them all day 

and didn’t take them on their walk when we got home.

As we read the preview of the new heavens and new earth 

detailed in Isaiah, 

we see that one day we will stroll alongside 

wolves and lambs and lions and cows and bears 

and, yes, even snakes. 

In that day, all of creation will be renewed and restored, 

enjoying perfect healing and wholeness. 

Oh how we look forward to that day, Lord. 

How we thank you for the gift of animal buddies 

as we wait. 

In Jesus’ redeeming name. Amen.

Read Isaiah 11:6-9; Romans 8:18-25.