Midweek Faith Lift
Pet Blessing Sunday
Su Podraza-Nagle LUT
10/1/2025
Good morning and welcome, especially to those who are joining us online. We are glad you are with us today.
Pet Blessing Sunday. A wonderful day to celebrate our fur babies.
In Genesis 1:26, it states, Then God said, “Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
Sometimes, in remembering all the pets I have had, I truly wonder who had dominion over who. Even today I feel as though I am only a humble servant to our fur baby, Xena. Especially around breakfast or dinner time. Ignore the clock, she knows what time it is.
Throughout human history, animals have occupied a special place in the hearts and homes of people. Beyond their roles as companions, workers, or guardians, pets have increasingly been recognized for their profound spiritual presence in our lives.
For many, the relationship with a pet transcends simple ownership and enters a realm of deep emotional connection, unconditional love, and even spiritual growth.
Today, we will explore the spiritual blessings that pets bring into our lives and the many ways they enhance our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We will also bless our loving companions past and present.
A bit of history. The connection between humans and animals is not a modern phenomenon.
Evidence shows that dogs were domesticated as early as 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, making them humanity’s oldest animal companions.
Ancient cultures across the globe held animals in high regard, often associating them with gods, spirits, and sacred forces. In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered as protectors of the home and were associated with the goddess Bastet. Native American traditions honor animals as spirit guides, each carrying lessons and spiritual significance.
In Hinduism, cows, monkeys, and elephants are considered sacred and treated with reverence.
These spiritual associations reflect an enduring truth and common thread: animals are more than just biological creatures—they carry energy, symbolism, and emotional depth that touches something sacred in the human soul. They also wrap themselves around our hearts with love.
Pets have a capacity to love unconditionally. Whether it's our dog eagerly wagging its tail at the sight of us, or a cat purring softly while curled up in a lap, pets offer affection that is pure and unfiltered. And they teach us some wonderful lessons-
Acceptance – Pets do not judge based on appearance, status, or mood.
Forgiveness – They forgive quickly and rarely hold grudges.
Presence – Pets live in the moment, teaching mindfulness and contentment.
Compassion – Their vulnerability often awakens a nurturing instinct in humans.
For many of us, pets may be the first to offer this kind of acceptance. In this sense, they become spiritual guides, reminding us of who we are and can be.
Our pets have a profound ability to heal emotional wounds. Interacting with them can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and even help combat depression. Therapy animals are used in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort and emotional support.
From a spiritual perspective, this healing goes beyond the physiological.
Many of us feel a deep soul connection with our “fur babies”. They often seem to “know” when we are sad or distressed and respond with quiet companionship or gentle affection. Ever feel the “lean” of a dog? It’s kinda like a hug.
Or how a cat will saunter onto your lap or chest and purr, purr, purr. Loudly. They seem to respond to our mood and we somehow feel understood, and supported, subtle but incredibly powerful.
Moreover, for those dealing with grief, trauma, or loneliness, pets sometimes become lifelines—silent witnesses to pain who offer presence without pressure, comfort without words.
Pets teach us to keep our spiritual connection.
Connection—to self, others, nature, and our divine source. Our pets foster these connections effortlessly.
Consider for a moment; walking the dog forces us to go outside and engage with the world. To exercise, take in the view, feel the ground and sun. Who can’t help but smile after having gotten puppy kisses?
Caring for a rabbit or guinea pig requires mindfulness and patience. To focus on the task at hand to and feel the presence of complete faith. Also, the wonderful cuddles only rabbits and guinea pigs can give.
Observing a cat bask in a sunbeam reminds us of the beauty of simplicity and stillness. To meditate, pray and feel the warmth. These everyday interactions serve as quiet reminders, grounding us in the present and opening our hearts to the sacredness of life. They are also quite the comedians when their human servants attempt to put clean sheets on a bed.
The spiritual blessing of our pets lies not only in their companionship but in their ability to open our hearts, heal our wounds, and teach us how to love unconditionally.
They mirror the divine qualities of presence, compassion, and loyalty, offering us a daily reminder of the sacredness of life.
Whether through silent comfort in times of sorrow, joyful play in times of celebration, or quiet companionship in moments of solitude, pets are more than animals, they are spiritual gifts, enhancing our lives in ways that go far beyond the physical world.
As we care for them, they care for us. In this mutual relationship, we find not only joy but also meaning.
To welcome a pet into one’s life is to invite a teacher, a healer, and a soul companion. And in doing so, we become better, more loving, more patient, and more spiritually aware.
As we move to the Pet Blessing prayer, I invite you, those here in the sanctuary to call out your pets’ name. Past and present. For those of you online, write their names in the chat and I will repeat them for those here. I’ll start off with my own beloveds. Xena, Emmitt, Zeus, Sparky.
Now, let’s bless our wonderful companions, past and present with this blessing prayer:
Divine Presence,
Source of all life and love,
God.
We give thanks for all our precious animal companions,
Past and present.
A radiant expression of Your divine love.
We bless these beautiful souls.
Perfect, whole, and complete in every way.
Their presence is a sacred gift,
Filled with joy, curiosity, and unconditional love.
May they feel safe, cherished, and at peace.
May their bodies be strong and vibrant,
Their heart open and light.
We affirm that the life of God flows through them,
Healing, guiding, and sustaining them now and always.
We recognize the Christ presence in them,
A spark of Spirit that blesses all who know and knew them.
In these sacred relationships, we are blessed too.
We open our hearts to give and receive love,
To learn compassion, patience, and presence.
These pets are not just animals,
But beloved spiritual beings on a shared journey.
Together, we walk in harmony,
United by love, uplifted by grace.
And so it is. Amen
Meditation
And we breathe……… knowing we have been blessed
Blessed to know the comfort of a beloved pet……
We picture them now in our minds eye….
We see the joy……the warmth
We hold the sacred relationship with love
Unconditional love…..
In the quiet now, just repeat your beloveds name or names in love to yourself.
Feel the warmth…..in the silence.
Together, we walk in harmony,
United by love, uplifted by the holy companionship
And so it is and so we let it be..