Very few physical churches would pray for animals, i.e. innocent creatures of God, who have been suffering terribly at the hands of human beings, in their services or sermons. 2.7 trillion sea animals and 80 billion land animals are actually enslaved, abused, tortured, raped and murdered by humans every year. People seem to forget that God is love (1 John 4:7 NIV); God loves the world (John 3:16), including ALL His creation (Psalm 145:9); Christ is compassion (Matthew 12:6-7), and He asked us to love our neighbours as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). The following prayer for animal liberation, adapted from three sources—Animal Liberation Temple (2024), Karenelated (n.d.), and Liberation of Brother & Sister Anima (2007)—is provided for the reference of any churches that have any compassion for, or respect towards, God's creation beyond just Homo sapiens.
O Almighty God! If it should suit Your Will, Your Plan, and Your Arrangement,
May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.
May all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May all sentient beings never be separated from bliss without suffering.
May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, greed and anger.
May all farm animals throughout the world be free from suffering.May all animals waiting to be herded onto the kill floor be free from fear.
May the hearts of those who work in abattoirs be filled with compassion so they never kill again and may the slaughterhouse lines become empty.
May all farm animals across the world be liberated from farms.
May all animals in laboratories throughout the world be free from suffering.May all animals in cages, be filled with peace and calm.
May compassion fill the hearts of those who imprison them and may alternatives to animal experimentation and testing be used.
May all animals around the world be released from cages.
May all homeless animals find shelter, plentiful food and water.
May there be liberation for those tortured for fur and entertainment.
May all sea dwelling creatures be free from suffering and harm.May their abusers experience complete and perfect awakening.
May all humans who believe they are superior to non-human animals develop perfect equanimity.
May they acknowledge that all sentient beings come from Almighty God and they are not ours to kill or exploit.
May all human and non-human sentient beings live together in harmony, peace and equanimity.
May all humans attain perfect awakening in order to help all beings. Amen.
Sources:
Animal Liberation Temple (2024). "Sunday Services for Our Dear Animal Friends (4-14-24)". Facebook, Apr. 14. https://www.facebook.com/animalliberationtemple/videos/1483535242199408/
Karenelated (n.d.). "Prayer for the Liberation of Animals/Quotes." The Elated Vegan. https://elated.co.za/prayer-for-the-liberation-of-animals/
Liberation of Brother & Sister Anima (2007). "Buddhism in Everyday Life." Kadampa Life, Feb. 14. https://kadampalife.org/animals/
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