Paw Prayers
“To lift the world and its problems, the individual and his or her need,
daily into the arms of God through intercession
is to release forces we know not of
and is to have an eye to only one main chance in life,
the chance to help, to expand, to grow…” **
Resident Novice Mickey
is looking for your “Paw Prayers”
Hello. I am Novice Mickey, a Resident Novice in the Feline Cloister. I am honored to welcome you to this section of the website devoted to your personal prayers. This is a new section in St. Benedict’s Toolbox Annex that was created in late April, 2023
What are “Paw Prayers?”
“Paw Prayers” are a way for felines to share prayer concerns, thanksgivings, and intercessions. Felines are invited to send prayer requests for themselves or for others, animal and human. Humans are also invited to send prayer requests.
The link below will take you to a simple prayer request form.
You may offer words for the prayer. Or you may simple mew simply give the name the feline, canine, gerbil, bird or other animal or person for whom you are requesting prayers. Prayers for the world are also encouraged.
Your completed form will be sent to Br. Ricky in the Feline Cloister.
What Happens to My Paw Prayer
Br. Ricky will alert me of your Paw Prayer. I will deliver your prayers to all Feline Cloister members and email them to the Worldwide Novices. They will paw your prayer into their own prayer list.
Your prayer will also be placed on this page of the website. You are invited to check back to see your prayer. You are invited to pray the other prayers, too.
Send a Paw Prayer to the Feline Cloister
Sending a Paw Prayer is easy. To reach the simple form tap your paw here.
Little Charlie praying your Paw Prayers
Paw Prayers
February 15, 2025
From Resident Novice Mickey:
With deep sadness I share that one of our own, Worldwide Novice Chloe Sophia, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She joins her friends in the Paradise Cloister where she can romp outside in the beauty of Paradise.
Please pray for her human, Denise Ann. The loss of Chloe Sophia was unexpected and sudden.
The affectionate, talkative, and loving
Chloe Sophia.
Chloe Sophia, beloved friend and companion,
we entrust you to God.
Go forth from this world in the love of God who created you, to find blessing and joy in your new life.
Tender God, surround Denise Ann with your love,
Compassionate Christ, hold her hand in this time of adjustment,
Holy Spirit, inspire Denise Ann with thankful remembrance of Chloe Sophia as she carries her in her heart. Amen.
January 21, 2025
From Resident Novice Clarissa Anne:
With deep sadness I share that one of our own, Worldwide Novice Bear of High Rolls Mountains Park, New Mexico, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He joins his friends in the Feline Paradise Cloister where he can romp outside and climb to the top of the tallest tree.
Please pray for his humans, Dottie and Chuck, and for resident dog, Katie Rose. His many deer friends and outdoor companions will miss Bear, too.
The wise and distinguished Novice Bear
Bear, beloved friend and companion,
we entrust you to God.
Go forth from this world in the love of God who created you, to find blessing and joy in your new life.
Tender God, surround Dottie and Chuck and Katie Rose with your love,
Compassionate Christ, hold hand and paw in this time of adjustment,
Holy Spirit, inspire Dottie and Chuck with thankful remembrance of Bear as they carry him in their hearts. Amen.
October 17, 2024
From Novice Mickey and Amma Jane:
Novice Poppy passed peacefully on the afternoon of October 11 at Pocono Peak Veterinary Center.
Cynthia, her human, related that Poppy was ”clearly ready to go – the cancer had even begun to try to block her esophagus, so it’s no surprise that she had stopped eating. We had a peaceful morning, she and I, including her lying on my chest in bed for extended periods of time, just looking at each other.”
At the vet, Cynthia was joined by her caring friends, Jan, Jasmine, Leigh, and Louise. Together they said their goodbyes.
The occasion was full of love and prayers. “I prayed a variation of the BCP’s [the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer] Commendation at the Time of Death for her,” Cynthia related, “and also asked for Christ to receive her soul, and prayed that we would meet again. I told her that when my time came, I would look for her and not rest until I found her.“
Poppy is now safe in the Feline Paradise Cloister. Our prayer…
Poppy, beloved friend and companion,
we entrust you to God.
Go forth from this world in the love of God who created you,to find blessing and joy in your new life.
Tender God, surround Cynthia and Novice China with your love,
Compassionate Christ, hold hand and paw in this time of adjustment,
Holy Spirit, inspire Cynthia and China with thankful remembrance of Poppy as they carry her in their hearts. Amen.
A Remarkable Blessing:
At the time of Poppy’s actual passing, a Husky dog out in the hall began to sing the song of his people. After they said their good-byes and let the vet and vet tech remove Poppy’s body, Cynthia and her friends trooped out. The dog kept singing. Cynthia’s friend Jan remarked that he was keening, to which all agreed. Dogs know.
Keening is a traditional Gaelic Celtic ritual of vocal mourning for the dead.
Cynthia related another remarkable occurrence. Two days later, she said, “Jan and I were visiting another church, and who do we meet in the parish hall but the Husky’s mom! She recognized us from the vet and told us that Koda never “sang” at the vet’s office, only at home, so this was definitely a unique occasion. Our Poppy was being sung in her flight by a handsome tenor.”
God’s love comes through many angels – human and animal. We give thanks.
Novice Poppy is encouraged after her recent visit to the veterinarian. They were so kind to her and reassuring to her human Cynthia.
September 16, 2024
From Worldwide Novice China of East Stroudsburg, PA, and her Human Cynthia:
An Encouraging Update: The cancer (now recognizable as such) has grown under Novice Poppy’s tongue. It’s about the size of a *small* grape half cut lengthwise. But everything else is still fine – the vet is pleased that Poppy is eating and is interested in the world. The novices and Cynthia are grateful as this is the best news they could have imagined. More good news – Novice Poppy continues to paw and mew over her Benedictine studies.
Please pray for dear Novice Poppy – that the cancer is slow growing, that her appetite and interest in the world remain lively, and that her days are rich, full, and blessed.
Give thanks, too, for Cynthia’s friends, Jan and Jasmine, who went to the vet appointment with Cynthia and Poppy. They continue to be a wonderful support throughout.
September 17, 2024
From Christine of Torrance, CA:
Lindsey thanks you for your prayers
Gracie mews, “I know that your prayers will help us reach a foster home. Bless you and thank you.”
August 14, 2024
From Worldwide Novice Poppy:
I mew for your prayers. My vet found what’s likely oral cancer which is real scary. But the aspiration results are inconclusive. We’ll know more when I go back to the vet for a follow-up on 9/13. I am still eating and still engaged with my world. This encourages me, my housemate Novice China, and our loving human, Cynthia. Please pray for God’s best. Amen.
April 24, 2024
From Amma Jane and Sr. Nikki:
“Your prayers are requested for Amma Jane’s husband, John, who will have surgery this afternoon, April 24, to repair a completely detached retina in his right eye. The recovery is arduous (he must remain face down for at least a week) and the extent of recovery of sight is unknown. Pray for the surgical staff and for patience and trust in the recovery.
Amma and Nikki thank you for your prayers.
May 8, 2024
From Worldwide Novice Lilibet:
Amen.
Lilibet on left.
Shadow on right.
January 24, 2024
From Amma Jane:
Prayers are urgently needed for a young woman in her 30’s, my dear friend Mary Beth’s daughter-in-law Marika, who is in the hospital and very ill. Marika received a kidney 12 years ago which now may be failing. It is unknown what can be done for her. Please pray for wisdom for her medical team. Pray for strength for Marika, her husband Will, my friend Mary Beth and her husband, Bill. Pray that Marika receives the help needed for a restoration of health. May she know God’s Presence.
Will, Marika, and the dogs ready to head to Albuquerque.
Bill and Mary Beth seeing them off with love.
January 29, 2024
From Amma Jane
Marika’s kidney is back to normal and Markia was release from the hospital! Please offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God! I share the following from my friend, Mary Beth, Marika’s mother-in-law:
“Our prayers were heard and answered! Marika’s kidney ‘awoke’ and is functioning! All the tests at IU Transplant Hospital today, proved normal and improving kidney function! The doctors released her and approved her and Will [Marika’s husband] to head back to Albuquerque. Marika is her energetic, optimistic, self! Thanks be to our loving, merciful, compassionate, Heavenly Father!
To every Prayer, for every single prayer, thought, and kind words, The Lord has heard you. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
Blessing, love, peace, to all,
Mary Beth”
Earlier Prayers
May 17, 2023
From a Human Friend of the Cloister:
(A word from Novice Mickey – This dear human masks in the presence of her felines, feeds them and then, as she says, “I get outa Dodge.” COVID can be passed to animals.
May 17, 2023
From Clarissa Anne, a Resient Novice:
Please pray for Joy, the daughter of Amma’s friend Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 4. She had her second MRI on Wednesday May 16. Pray for both Joy and her 19 year-old son Tony to be strong and look to our Lord Jesus Christ who is our healer.
April 27, 2023
From a Human Friend of the Cloister:
“Please pray for the happiness of Diamond and Pearl and that I may treat them with Christian love, wisdom and hospitality.”
(A word from Novice Mickey – “Diamond and Pearl were gravely mistreated by a relative, following the death of their prior human. Pearl was put outside. DIamond hid in the house in fear. As a result both are fearful of people, even their new human, who is striving to be kind and loving. Building trust takes time.”
April 26, 2023
From Shadow, a Worldwide Novice:
“I ask for the prayers of the Worldwide Novices and the Feline Cloister for healing from the pain of dental work. I give thanks for my five remaining teeth and for my wonderful vet, Dr. Child.”