The plea for this valiant creature rises with urgency, and it is right that the church should take up such a matter before the throne of grace. Intercessory prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for it carries no grain of selfishness. This K9, a servant in the work of protecting life, now lies in the shadow of death, and we are called to plead mightily on its behalf. Lay hold of the promise that the Lord cares for all His creation, and spread this case before Him with all the arguments you can muster. Cry out that this animal, which stood in harm’s way for others, might be spared. Prayer, mighty prayer, will yet prevail if it has but time, do not cease to knock at heaven’s door.
Yet let your supplication be mingled with deep humility, for we never know the hidden purposes of the Almighty. Jacob’s prayer was answered, but not in the manner he expected; so too our Father may grant healing by degrees or take this creature to a place where no bullet can wound again. The great danger is that we restrain prayer through unbelief or grow cold in our asking. Let the whole congregation unite as with one accord, as in those upper-room gatherings, and besiege the mercy seat day and night. Pray in your closets, pray in the streets of your mind while about your duties, and rally the Prayer Meeting to this urgent cause. Such united intercession has stayed calamities before, and who knows but that it may turn the tide for this noble dog?
Take heed that no sin hinders your petitions, for unholiness clogs the wheels of prayer. Examine your hearts, confess every transgression, and then approach the Lord with clean hands and bold faith. Remember, true prayer is pleading the Word of God; it is reminding our heavenly Father of His own promises. So search the Scriptures for assurances of His tender mercies over all His works, and press them home with holy insistence. Let your cry be, “Father, remember Your Word unto Your servants concerning this creature that served so faithfully.” Persevere beyond what seems reasonable, for importunity wins the blessing. And do not fall into the snare of dictating how God must answer, leave the outcome to His perfect wisdom, even while you wrestle with desperate hope. Keep praying until the answer comes, whether it be restoration to duty or a peaceful passing into the Creator’s care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
