Rabbits (and chicks) are not cuddly Easter toys

 

Blessed are You, Lord God,

maker of all living creatures.

On the fifth and sixth days of creation,

You called forth fish in the sea,

birds in the air, and animals on the land.

You inspired St. Francis to call all animals

his brothers and sisters

and You granted St. Seraphim

the holiness to converse and find friendship

with a bear.

We ask You to bless and protect the animals

and not allow us to to descend

into hypocrisy by sinning against Your creation

in the days 

when we mark Jesus' death

and celebrate His glorious resurrection

and are renewed in Your image.

By the power of Your love,

bless, protect, renew, restore, and sanctify

the work of Your hands,
Your marvelous creation

that You have placed us in

and that we share with other creatures

who You also love.  

May we always praise You

for the beauty of Your creation.

Blessed are You, Lord our God, in all Your creatures!

Amen.