Prayers for Lost Pets

When a pet is lost or runs away, it often leaves behind sad owners. These owners put up signs, take out ads in the local paper, and above all, pray for their pet's safe return. If you've experienced a pet getting lost or running away, the following prayer for lost pet/prayer for lost dog/prayer for lost cat prayers may bring you comfort.

The Bible itself has a little prayer book inside it; the Psalms. Some psalms make very good prayers when a pet is missing. For example, Psalm 50 reminds the believer that God is always caring for his creatures.

"Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine."

Other psalms that remind pet owners of God's goodness and care for all his creation include Psalms 91, 145, and 147.

Albert Schweitzer was a great humanitarian and scientist of the 20th century. He wrote the following prayer of blessing over all the animals. It asks God to watch over his creatures, wherever they may be.

"Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals, especially for those who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly treated; for all the wistful creatures in captivity, that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted, or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.

Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the Merciful. Amen."

This moving prayer, called simply "Prayer for a Lost Pet," asks the help of St. Francis, the patron saint of lost cats and all animals, and St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things.

"Father, We ask you to help us find our dear pet who is now lost.

We know that you placed animals on the earth for many reasons, including companionship for man.

We therefore ask you to help us find our lost companion, and pray that You will keep him safe and protect him from harm until he is found.

We join our prayers with St. Francis, St. Anthony of Padua, and all the saints, and pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"

This prayer remembers that all animals are in God's care all the time; he sees them even if their owners can't. The prayer then goes on to ask God for the pet's safe return.

"Blessed are you, Lord God, for all living creatures you have made. You keep them in your care and not one of them is lost without you knowing. They glorify you, each in its own way, and speak to us of your beauty and love. Bless them and keep them from harm. They unquestionably accept their place in the rhythm of your creation. May we respect them and cherish them for they are your gift to us; through them may we come to know you better and praise you, their Creator. Blessed be the love and joy that they bring to us. Amen."

"Holy God, we pray for our pet who is lost. Guard her from all fear and bring her in safety to this day's end, whether it be with her family on earth, or in heaven. Grant peace and comfort to her human family as they face the unknown in the days ahead. Amen."