Blessing the Animals:
prayers and ceremonies to celebrate God's creatures, wild and tame, edited and with Introductions by Lynn L. Caruso. Woodstock, VT: SkyLight Paths Publishing, ISBN 1594731454, 2006, $19.99/£11.48

Blessing the Animals is a wonderful compilation of poems, prayers, writings and blessings from various individuals, faiths and cultures. Some awaken parts of our soul such as when praying for elephants or reading about Tuffy the box turtle who taught a family about the meaning of grace (in his own way). Philosophers, poets, writers represent many cultures and faiths such as Native American, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian, and many others give us a peak into their hearts and lives. Ms. Caruso carefully annotated each contributor, giving more depth to the writings. The prayers express what our souls need to help us understand our relationship with creation and our Creator. Also included are useful ceremonies and rituals.

Great book of prose, quotes, prayers, and writings, including those from the Bible, and the Qur’an to nurture our innermost being to grow more in relationship with the Creator of us all. To quote parts of the book sums up its essence: ‘But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you....’ Job 12:7-10 and ‘...The stronger the reverence for natural life, the stronger grows also that for spiritual life,’ Albert Schweitzer.

~Jan Fredericks