God,

I am carrying so much pain in my heart right now, and I know you can feel it. My dog — my best friend, my comfort, my little piece of unconditional love, is sick, and I feel so helpless. I don’t have the power to fix this. I can’t take away their pain, and I wish I could. I wish I could make them better with just a word, but I can’t, God. I can’t. So I’m coming to you, because you are the creator of all life, you have written this story, and I know that even the smallest creatures are held in your hands, are held in your grace.

Please, God, bring my pet healing. Touch my dog’s body and ease whatever is wrong. If there is pain, please bring them relief. If there is illness, bring them recovery. If there is weakness, please bring them strength. I pray for you to grant wisdom to the vets and everyone caring for them — lead them to the right treatments, the right medicine, and the decisions that will bring forth the most healing and comfort. And if this cannot be fixed, if it cannot be mended, if the outcome is uncertain, then please, God, let there be peace.

You know how much this dog means to me, God. They aren’t just a pet — they are my family. They have been with me through so many moments of my life. They have been by my side through joy, and through sorrow; through ordinary days that were made better just by their presence, and through dark days that were made just a little lighter by holding them close. They’ve given me love without hesitation, true and pure loyalty, and I pray that they feel that same love now. I hope they know how much I care for them. Let them be surrounded by warmth, by hope, and by the unwavering love I have for them.

And God, please help me, too. The worry in my heart is heavy. This fear is real. My soul hurts because I just want them to be okay, I just want this to pass. Hold me in this, Lord. Help me to trust that whatever happens, you are still good, and your love is still here — wrapped around me and wrapped around the little life I’m praying for.

God, thank you for the gift of my dog, for the love they’ve given to me so freely, and for the immense joy they bring to my life. Thank you for walking with me in this, for hearing even my quietest prayers, and for caring about the things that matter to my heart, no matter how small they may seem.

I give all of this uncertainty to you, God. I trust you with my dog’s life. I trust you with their healing. I trust you with whatever comes next. We both do. 

Amen.