A Prayer for Animals

The events at a friend's farm this week brought to mind this prayer, which I came across many years ago:

Hear our humble prayer Oh God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering, 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.
                                                                                                             -  Albert Schweitzer