O God,
enlarge within us the sense of
fellowship with all living things,
our brothers and sisters
the animals to whom you gave the earth
as their home in common with us.

We remember with shame that in the past
we have exercised the high power of man
with ruthless cruelty
so that the voice of the earth,
which should have gone up to thee in song,
has been a groan of pain.

May we realise that they live not for
us alone but for You
and that they love the sweetness of life.

– St. Basil the Great (330-379AD)

– Edited for clarity and modern language.