St. Francis Liturgy, Songs, and Prayers
October 5, 2025 - Feast of St. Francis and Blessing of the Animals
cre·a·tion /krēˈāSHən/
noun: the bringing into of existence of the universe, especially when regarded as an act of God.
"the big bang was the moment of the Creation, and therefore the work of God"
Instrumental prelude -Each week we take a few moments for silent prayer and reflection during the instrumental prelude.
We invite you to join us in quiet prayer; to enter this place with quietness and trust before the Lord.
Call to worship: (standing together)
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
THE ACCLAMATION (standing together)
Blessed be the God of all creation.
And blessed be God’s holy Name forever.
Bless your Creator, all animals of the land.
Praise and exalt our Creator forever.
Bless your Creator, all birds of the air.
Praise and exalt our Creator forever.
Bless your Creator, all creatures of the sea.
Praise and exalt our Creator forever.
Bless your Creator, all children of God.
With all of creation, we praise your name.
THE COLLECT FOR PURITY
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY (standing together)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord: Grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfect joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Sung Worship (standing together)
Let Everything that has Breath Praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Praise You in the morning, praise You in the evening
Praise You when I'm young and when I'm old
Praise You when I'm laughing, praise You when I'm grieving
Praise You every season of the soul
If we could see how much You're worth
Your power, Your might, Your endless love
Then surely we would never cease to praise
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Praise You in the heavens, joining with the angels
Praising You forever and a day
Praise You on the earth now, joining with creation
Calling all the nations to Your praise
If we could see how much You're worth
Your power, Your might, Your endless love
Then surely we would never cease to praise
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
The Readings (standing together)
A reading from the book of Acts (Acts of the Apostles 4:3 2-35)
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
The Word of the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
A reading from the gospel of Mark (Mark 18: 34-35)
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.
The Word of the Lord;
Thanks be to God.
Reflection on Saint Francis and what it means to us, today.
Canon Tim Clayton
Litany for All Creation (sitting or kneeling as you’re able)
Celebrant:
Call out the names of those animals for whom we care, or hold them in your hearts.
Call out the names of those animals who are no longer with us, as we also hold them in our hearts.
Silence is kept
intercessor
Holy God, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us and all you have made.
Holy and Mighty, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon us and all you have made.
intercessor continues
(A prayer of Pope Francis, adapted from Laudato Si.)
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
That we may protect life and beauty.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Amen.
Celebrant continues
Holy Immortal One: No sparrow falls without your knowing it; nothing dies but is remembered by you; nothing comes into being that you do not see. Give us courage and resolve to build up the common good, holding fast to the hope of a new creation in which all shall dwell eternally, through Jesus Christ, our Risen Savior.
Amen.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION OF SIN
Let us confess to God our sins against creation.
Silence may be kept.
God of compassion, we confess that we have squandered your creation, and mistreated those you give into our care. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may care for all that you have made, according to your will and in the fullness of your love; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
Amen.
THE PEACE (standing together)
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with your spirit.
(Let’s greet one another with a sign of peace)
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Jane Mwikali Mwangangi is the Kenya Country Director for the Kijabe Children’s Educational Fund. She is a community development practitioner from Kenya whose life and work have been shaped by a deep love for people who are often overlooked. For more than a decade, she has worked alongside vulnerable communities across Kenya, with a particular passion for children, girls, education, and the development of local communities.
You can read more about Kijabe here
Sung Worship
Cannons
It's falling from the clouds, a strange and lovely sound
I hear it in the thunder and the rain
It's ringing in the skies, like cannons in the night
The music of the universe plays; we're singing...
Chorus
You are holy great and mighty
The moon and the stars declare who You are
I feel unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing
Of how great You are
Verse 2
Beautiful and free, a song of galaxies
It's reaching far beyond the Milky Way
Let's join in with the sound,
Come on let's sing it loud
As the music of the universe plays; singing...
Bridge
All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours amen
All glory, honor, power is Yours forever amen
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
and (pre-consecrated) elements of Holy Eucharist
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven,
your Name be hallowed,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
as in heaven, also on earth.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Matthew 6:9–13)
Reminder Communion Instructions: Prayer and Blessing Opportunities are available from a member of the prayer team as you return to your seat after receiving the bread and wine. Personal and Confidential Prayer is available following the service.
Sung Worship
God of Wonders
Verse 1
Lord of all creation
Of water, earth and sky
The Heavens are Your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high
Chorus
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Verse 2
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call Your name by night
Chorus
God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Bridge:
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth
You are holy, holy
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of Heaven and Earth
THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Celebrant: Please bring forward your pets to be blessed.
Sung Worship: All creatures of our God and King
(Please bring forward your pets in the front area to be blessed.)
All Creatures of Our God and King
Verse 1
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Celebrant:
God’s animals inhabit the skies, the land, and the sea; we share the earth with them, and like them rely on God’s blessing to sustain and preserve us. We gather today in communion and friendship with Francis of Assisi who preached to animals and moved throughout the known world sharing God’s unconditional love for all beings. Remembering Francis’ love for all God’s creatures, we bring forward these animals entrusted to our care that we may bless them.
The Celebrant speaks a blessing over all the animals: those who bring animals for blessing hold or place their hands on their animals in blessing. They are blessed by name by the Presider, using these or other words.
May God who created and preserves you bless, defend, heal, and keep you, this day and always. Amen.
The animals are individually blessed.
Verse 2
Thou rushing wind thou art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou rising moon in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Verse 3
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in One.
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
We also bless those animals that are not with us here by the sea today.
Berlin Kitty, Micah, Tequila, Basil, Rupert Rodrigo, Henri, and Rex, Walter and Nuco
A PRAYER FOR ANIMALS
O God, you created all living things on the face of the earth
and gave us dominion over them:
Grant that we may be faithful to this trust
in the way we treat all animals, both wild and tame.
Teach us to admire their beauty and to delight in their cunning;
to respect their strength and to wonder at their intelligence.
Grant that our use of them may be both merciful and wise.
So may we lend our voice to their praise of your goodness,
which endures for ever.
Amen.
Celebrant:
Let us pray.
God of all creation: we give you thanks and praise. Open our eyes to see your hand at work in all creation. May your bountiful blessing be upon us all, God our Redeemer, now and for ever.
Amen.
THE BLESSING
Adapted from a prayer attributed to St. Francis
May our Lord make you an instrument of his peace.
Where there is hatred, may you sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that you may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that you will receive;
it is in pardoning that you will be pardoned;
and it is in dying that you will be born to eternal life.
Amen.
May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Alleluia, alleluia: go in peace.
Thanks be to God, Alleluia, alleluia.
SUNG WORSHIP
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in One.
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
May the Peace of God be with you today
*Personal and Confidential Prayer is available after the service under the tree in front to your left, follow the “prayer” signs.
Cn Timothy Clayton, lead pastor
Mtr Wendy Dixon, clergy
Mtr Jen Keifer, clergy
Michael Pritzl, sung worship leader
Christian Erickson, keyboards, vocals
Ian Clayton, production, guitar
Jennifer Mahnke, vocals
Juniper Mahnke, vocals
sung worship:
Maker of the Stars, written by Michael J Pritzl
Let Everything that has Breath, written by Willie James Williams
God of Wonders, written by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong
Doxology, written by Thomas Ken in 1674
Cannons, written by Phil Wickham
All Creatures of Our God and King, written by St. Francis of Assisi 1225 based on Psalm 148, translated by William Henry Draper a priest in the Church of England set to the tune of "Lasst uns erfreuen", a German Easter hymn published by Friedrich Spee in 1623 in his book Auserlesene Catholische Geistliche Kirchengesäng
Today’s liturgy is from the BCP 2019, the Times and Seasons supplement of the Church of England, and the Book of Occasional Services.
”Trinity”, and “Garden of Eden” and “Archangel Michael” artwork by Ukrainian Icon Artist, Ivanka Demchuk
History of Creationtide
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Eastern Orthodox) proposed in 1989 that September 1st (the first day of the Orthodox Church year) should be observed as a day “of protection of the natural environment”. In 2016, Pope Francis declared 1 September an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This was expanded in Europe to be a season — Creationtide — going from September 1st until October 4th (the Feast of St Francis), and has been adopted in many churches around the world, including some in the Anglican Communion.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We all live on Indigenous land. We would like to acknowledge the Massachusett Tribe: the tribe of Indigenous peoples from whom the Colony, Province, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts have taken their name. We would like to pay our respect to the ancestral bloodline of the Massachusett Tribe and their descendants who still inhabit historical Massachusett Tribe territories to this day.
We are grateful to Thomas Green, VP of the Massachusett Tribe, for providing this paragraph. https://massachusetttribe.org/the-tribe
be·gin·ning
/bəˈɡiniNG/
noun: the point in time or space at which something starts.
mer·cy
/ˈmərsē/
noun: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
