Extending Your Circle of Compassion: Dr. Albert Schweitzer
[After almost being pressured by other boys to sling rocks at birds] "This early influence upon me of the commandment not to kill or to torture other creatures is the great experience of my youth. By the side of that all others are insignificant."
Hear our prayer O Lord ... for animals that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death ... And for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.