How A Powerful Prayer For Pet Loss Is Helping To Heal My Heart
Losing a pet isn’t just about the death of an animal; it’s about saying farewell to a beloved pet who brought immense joy into your daily life.
When the silence left by their absence becomes overwhelming, many of us turn to prayer for pet loss for solace.
Among the wealth of resources available, the book ‘Every Moment Holy’ by Douglas Kaine McKelvey includes a treasure trove of comfort. Volume I features ‘A Liturgy for the Loss of a Living Thing‘ among a diverse array of prayers for various moments of life.
This prayer was a heartfelt gift from my friend and neighbor, Marie, who, still grieving a year after the loss of her own dog, knew its comforting power and shared it with me in my time of need.
This liturgy provided a framework for grieving the loss of my beloved pet Stormy, and not only offered comfort but was a powerful guide through my darkest moments, providing peace and a deep understanding of my grief.
Detailed Exploration of the Prayer for Pet Loss: “Loss of a Living Thing”
In the depths of grief, where words often fail, this prayer offers deep comfort and spiritual solace to those mourning a pet’s death.
It guides the bereaved through reflective pauses and communal acknowledgments, recognizing the pet as a special animal, cherished and lovingly created by a compassionate Heavenly Father.
As we delve deeper into the prayer, let’s explore just a few of the specific phrases that poignantly capture the essence of our shared experiences and emotions during such tender times.
The prayer begins a powerful sentence, affirming the valued existence and individuality of the pet.
“Here was your good creature, and here were the spaces and the days we shared, enjoying the glad company and cheerful fellowship”
- This line acknowledges the everyday moments shared with a pet, reflecting the joy and companionship they brought into our lives.
- It evokes memories of shared spaces—perhaps a favorite corner where your pet slept or the path you walked together—highlighting the physical and emotional void their absence leaves.
“We made room in our lives, room in our home, room in our hearts, to welcome your unique creation. And we gave your good creature the name _____ “
- Personalizing grief, this phrase touches on the act of opening our homes and hearts to a pet, making them an integral part of our family.
- It underscores the significance of naming a pet, a symbolic act of acceptance and the start of a profound bond.
“Our hearts are unprepared for such loss, and we are deeply grieved.”
- This sentence captures the sudden and overwhelming nature of grief that pet loss can bring, highlighting the emotional unpreparedness many feel.
- It validates the depth of sorrow felt, acknowledging that grief for a pet is as real and intense as grief for a human loved one.
“Even so, Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the life that was, for the gift of a living thing so easily loved . . .”
- Here, the prayer shifts focus from grief to gratitude, encouraging mourners to remember the joy and love their pet brought into their lives.
- It suggests that while the pain of loss is sharp, the memories and love shared offer a counterbalance of gratitude.
“We are grateful, . . . for the happiness that was . . . even as we sit in the sadness of now empty spaces in heart and home, empty spaces that echo our loss.”
- This phrase explores the duality of experiencing happiness in memories while confronting the emptiness that follows a pet’s departure.
- It highlights the physical and emotional gaps left behind, which can resonate deeply as mourners adjust to their new reality.
“O Lord, how long till all is made right? . . . .”
- Expressing a yearning for healing and understanding, this question reflects the spiritual and existential questioning often provoked by grief.
- It taps into the desire for closure and for the pain to be healed, which can be a crucial part of the mourning process.
“Comfort us . . . O Lord, for the ache of these days is real.”
- Directly addressing the need for comfort, this plea acknowledges the raw, real pain that comes with losing a pet.
- It seeks divine reassurance, reflecting the common need for external support when our own resources are depleted by grief.
This prayer became the voice for the unspoken prayers in my heart, articulating the words I could not find during the profound loss of Stormy.
It allowed me to honor the loss with the dignity and grace it deserved, reflecting on the deep companionship and joy my pet brought into my life.
Through these sacred words, I could acknowledge how intricately my beloved companion was woven into the very fabric of my being, and confront the echoing emptiness left in their absence.
Personal Impact of the Prayer
This prayer became a sanctuary for me, a beacon during my time of mourning.
We are deeply grieved… yet grateful for the life that was, for the gift of a living thing so easily loved,”
That line (and so many more) became my anchor, helping me cherish the memories with Stormy and balance the pain of loss with gratitude.
This prayer speaks a universal language of loss, offering comfort and a shared space for grief, affirming that our sorrow is seen, our bonds celebrated, and our healing supported by collective compassion.
It reminded me that grace flows even in the darkest moments, and it helped me find peace in knowing that Stormy’s relationship still lives on in my heart and memories.
How to Use This Prayer in Mourning
This prayer for pet loss can be a significant part of the healing journey.
Use it in personal reflection, perhaps as part of a daily ritual or during quiet moments of remembrance at a special place you shared with your pet.
Reciting the prayer served as a powerful ritual to comfort and strengthen spirits.
It’s also powerful in communal settings like memorial services or sharing circles, where it can help articulate collective grief and foster a sense of communal support.
For those entrusted with organizing a pet’s memorial, incorporating this prayer can be a profound way to honor their life, allowing each participant to say their amen in unison, providing a shared moment of closure and love and companionship.
Overview of “Every Moment Holy” Series by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
Did you know that ‘Every Moment Holy’ encompasses not just a single volume, but a captivating trilogy that provides solace and guidance through many of life’s moments?
The series begins with Volume I, which includes touching prayers such as ‘A Liturgy for the Loss of a Living Thing.’ This prayer is particularly comforting for those mourning the loss of a cherished pet, offering soothing words to heal our hearts during such tender times.
But the journey doesn’t end there.
Volumes II and III expand into wider realms of solace and enlightenment. These editions are filled with prayers that assist us not only in the aftermath of a pet’s death but also throughout the various experiences of daily life.
These volumes teach us to harness strength from our grief and to cherish the love and loyalty our pets have shown us. They guide us in celebrating our beloved animals and integrating their memories into our lives with dignity and love.
Whether it’s seeking peace after a pet’s departure or recognizing the mundane beauty of daily routines, these books encourage us to pause and appreciate the world around us. They offer words to express comfort, share heartfelt stories, and remind us that love persists through all seasons, enhancing our lives and paying tribute to those we hold dear.
“Every Moment Holy” Book Series
This table provides a quick overview of each volume, highlighting their themes, release years, notable prayers, and available editions, making it easy for you to navigate through the series and discover the volume that best meets their needs.
| Volume | Title | Themes | Release Year | Highlights | Available Editions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | New Liturgies for Daily Life | Daily activities and ordinary events | 2017 | Includes prayers such as “A Liturgy for Feasting with Friends,” “A Liturgy for Laundering,” and “A Liturgy for the Loss of a Living Thing“ | Hardcover, Pocket Flexi-cover, Padded Hardcover |
| II | Death, Grief, and Hope | Seasons of dying, grief, and hope | 2021 | Features prayers for difficult times such as “A Liturgy for the Scattering of Ashes,” “A Liturgy for the Loss of a Spouse,” and “A Liturgy for the Wake of a National Tragedy.” | Hardcover, Pocket Flexi-cover |
| III | The Work of the People | Community and daily life | Releasing November 2023 | Over 100 new liturgies contributed by various writers, artists, and pastors. Includes prayers by Malcolm Guite, Ellie Holcomb, and Philip Yancey. | To be announced |
Background on “Every Moment Holy”
Douglas Kaine McKelvey crafted the “Every Moment Holy” series to bring a sense of divine presence into the everyday moments of life. Below are the pivotal experiences that inspired his unique approach to these liturgical works:
- Initial Exposure: McKelvey grew up in a Baptist tradition where liturgical practices were uncommon. His journey into liturgical prayer began when friends introduced him to seminal works like the “Valley of Vision” and “The Book of Common Prayer.”
- Finding Solace: During challenging times, when words for prayer eluded him, these liturgical texts provided McKelvey with “theologically rich prayers that lifted my eyes.” He discovered profound comfort in these structured prayers, which helped sustain his spiritual life.
- A Creative Spark: The concept for “Every Moment Holy” emerged after McKelvey wrote a liturgy for fiction writers, which he shared with his friend, Andrew Peterson, before a conference. Peterson’s enthusiasm for the piece, and his subsequent request for more liturgies for everyday activities like beekeeping, sparked the idea to create a broader collection.
- Vision for Daily Holiness: Motivated by the belief that all aspects of life are imbued with sacred significance, McKelvey was driven “to realize that truly every moment is holy.” He aimed to craft prayers that redirect focus from mundane tasks to the divine orchestration behind them.
- Embarking on the Journey: Fueled by his own spiritual needs, a newfound appreciation for historical liturgies, and a desire to sanctify everyday moments, McKelvey began writing the “Every Moment Holy” series. His goal: to provide a faithful companion for those seeking to recognize the holiness in every part of their lives.
My Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the loss of my beloved pet, Stormy, the death of a pet emerges not just as a heartbreaking event but as a passage through which profound healing can be found.
The prayer “Loss of a Living Thing” from “Every Moment Holy – Volume 1” by Douglas McKelvey was more than nice prayers for pet loss; it was a prayer request fulfilled, offering solace and a deep connection to my grief.
In the grieving process, these words were a reminder of the loving care bestowed upon us by the Lord our God, who comforts the brokenhearted and is crushed in spirit with us.
This prayer helped lift my heavy heart each day in sadness, providing comfort in knowing that the affection and caring I shared with Stormy was a testament to the trust in us that all creatures, great and small, place in their human friends.
For those enduring the loss of a beloved pet, whether it’s a fur baby like a cat, a loyal dog, a hamster, horse, bird, and any other of God’s creatures, I am trying to remember that our lives are richer for the time shared.
And my wish is that when the day would come that they are gone from us, may we all find peace in prayers that honor their memory and the joy they brought into our lives.
Let’s hold fast to the memories that made our days brighter and ask for comfort to guide us forward. As we continue to care, to love, and to live, we carry with us the trust in us that every little child, every leopard, calf, and the lion — every creature under our watch — relies on.
Prayer For Today
Dear Lord,
In the quiet moments of reflection, we thank You for the precious time we were granted with our cherished pets. As we hold onto the love that fills our hearts, help us to share this warmth and affection with others around us. Bless us with the heart to keep loving, and when we’re ready, to welcome another furry friend into our lives.
In your holy name we pray,
Amen.
Scribble of the Day: Pet Grief Quote
If you’ve found comfort in this or any other prayer during times of pet loss, please share your story. Your experiences can offer great comfort to others navigating similar paths of grief.
Your insights are invaluable as we build a community of support and understanding, helping each other honor the loss and celebrate the life of our animal companions.
