Leader: Blessed be God, Creator of Heaven and Earth. All: All creation sings your praises.
Hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, the lord God made them all. Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors and made their tiny wings. Refrain The purple-headed mountain, the river running by, The sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky. Refrain The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, The ripe fruits in the garden, God made them every one. Refrain Give thanks for eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell How great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. Refrain
Leader: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.
Leader: Let us pray: grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Psalm 148:1-5, 7-13 Read responsively by verse.
A Reading : Genesis 1:20-25
Lector: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people.
Prayer for PetsLeader: Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things and giver of all life, let your blessing be upon all these animals. May our relationships with them mirror your love, and our care for them be an example of your bountiful mercy. Grant the animals health and peace. Strengthen us to love and care for them as we strive to imitate the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and God’s servant Francis. Amen.
Blessing of AnimalsYou are welcome to bring your pet forward for an individual blessing.
The Prayer of St. Francis Leader: Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
The Blessing (From St. Clare)Leader: Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen
The DismissalLeader: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. Acknowledgement: |