We are truly sorry to hear about Riley's condition, and we want you to know that we are here to pray and support you through this difficult time. First, let's remember a few Scriptures: we are assured that our prayers matter, as we are instructed in 1 John 5:14-15 WEB, "This is the confidence which we have before him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him." We are to ask anything. Verse 16 then follows by saying we can receive according to something according to God's will, thought the verse can be a little difficult to understand, and by"ahim that sin not unto death".
We are to ask anything. Dogs, though not the same as humans, are a creation of God, and Jesus said to note the faith of other created beings "Look at the birds of the sky: they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they? Matthew 6:26 WEB. Wicked people are of more value than birds but they are not more value than other humans and then there are "Righteous people" mentioned in the next verse. Consider how there is prayer for animals in response to a prophesy of danger, for the prophet's horse, a single person donkey (mule): "Three times donkeys were taken from me, don’t be silent about it; men have threatened my life.” Job 6:5 WEB
We understand that Riley is more than just a pet to you; he is a beloved companion and friend. We have God's blessing to ask. In God's will, this might involve healing, comfort, or guidance for you both. As mentioned in the verse, we can ask anything according to His will. Also, remember Paul's hope.
It is important to note though, as Paul reminds, if we receive or do not receive, we trust God's goodness "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39 WEB
We do not know what Riley can perceive regarding our hearts for him, but we do know they have a heart. Their hair goes north or south, seeking their owner, and more next ben. They are going looking to be fed, and "But ask now the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the sky, and they will tell you. Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who doesn’t know that in all these, Yahweh’s hand has done this?
in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:7-10 WEB
We want to remind believers that it is always in the name of Jesus that we are to pray. This is because there is no other name by which we can be saved, Acts 4:10-12 WEB. The way we receive this access to God the Father, is through Jesus Christ. "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father..", Philippians 2:10-11 WEB. Jesus is the complete revealer of God, and through Him we can have confidence that God hears us.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you today in Jesus' name, bring Riley and Larwaith before Your presence. We ask to receive a miracle, as your will be done with Riley's health. We stand in obedience to Your Word that our prayers matter. For you made everything, like the birds of the air. We ask for either a healing to show your goodness and grace by extension of his life for another year or to provide comfort to Larwaith for their heart through the power of the Holy Spirit as they care for their beloved companion.
Lord, we also pray for Larwaith, that You would grant them peace, strength, and wisdom during this time. Help them to trust in You and Your goodness, even in the face of uncertainty. Surround them with Your love and remind them of Your faithfulness.
In the face of death, carry us through to victory and hope in this life. Carry us through the good but yet fear of the unknown. Whether new life or death, loving because we are separated from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. At his name every knee should bow. Col 2:6-10, Romans 13:8-10
Thank you, Jesus, for going through death for the forgiveness of sins, for us to seek His kingdom, to believe in the gospel, and to receive you. The name of Jesus does not hinder but we find security even when some things are not answered as expected. Rise and Walk, even when there might be scales that have fallen or will fall in your eyes. 2 Jn 1:4, Romans 4:13-25
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.