Why do I ask my followers to pray for pets in trouble? I have several reasons, and I’m betting some of them will surprise you.
First, of course, is because I’m a person of faith and I believe in the power of prayer. I don’t want to minimize that reason, but at the same time, I realize many of my followers don’t share it.
I know that because I receive frequent comments from those followers. Some simply tell me they don’t pray or don’t believe in prayer. Others offer good thoughts, as opposed to prayers. Others indicate that while they don’t pray, they will share the request with those of their friends and family who do. I respect all of those views, and welcome anyone who loves animals to participate on my Facebook page, regardless of their religious beliefs, or none.
Still other people, however, express frustration with those who pray instead of offering more tangible help, such as fostering or volunteer work or donations. And it’s this last group to which this post is addressed.
Let me begin by assuring you that I believe in active faith. I believe that God helps those who help themselves and others, and I put my time, money, and hard work where my prayers are every day of my life.
But I know some of my followers are facing disability, poverty, and other struggles that make it difficult or impossible for them to donate to causes, build fences for dogs on tethers, or foster pets in their homes. Their prayers are what they have to offer, and I believe they have value and will be heard by the Lord.
But you don’t need to share my belief to find value in their comments about prayers they are offering. Because of the way Facebook works, every single comment made on a post means more people will see that post. Even if you don’t believe in the power of prayer at all, it doesn’t change the fact that those comments drive the post out to more and more people, who in turn will hopefully offer help to the pet in need, and share them with their friends and family.
Of course, I hope you’ll donate, volunteer, foster, and adopt if you can, but know that whether you can or not, your prayers — and comments and shares — are very welcome on my Facebook page, and provide a form of practical help you may not have known about until now.
