50 Inspirational Animal Stories to Help You Pray & Ponder the Psalms

Paws in His Presence

Book cover with a dog and cat against a dark background, titled “Paws in His Presence” by Jennifer Marshall Blakley

Be Still and Know…

You Are Loved More Than You Can Pawsibly Imagine


Nothing on earth exemplifies the unconditional love and enduring faithfulness of God quite like our four-legged friends. Their loyalty, calming presence and constant companionship bring us the same sense of peace and contentment that we find throughout the book of Psalms.

In Paws in His Presence, bestselling author of the Pawverbs devotional books Jennifer Marshall Bleakley takes you on a 50-day devotional journey through the heart of the Psalms with the help of God’s most faithful and lovable creatures.


You’ll discover:

  • A beloved rescue dog named Bubba
  • A beautiful black horse named Mercy
  • A golden retriever mama named Wrigley
  • And many, many more!


As you read these and other true stories—along with passages from Psalms, full-color photos, prayers, and reflection questions—you will start to see the animals around you as living, breathing pictures of God’s love. And you will find yourself pausing in the presence of the God who knows you, sees you, and loves you more than you can imagine.


Curious brown-and-white dog tilting its head indoors
Smiling blonde woman in a denim jacket outdoors with a blurred natural background

About the Author


Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is the author of Joey, the Pawverbs devotional series, and Project Solomon. She holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling and worked for several years as a grief counselor before discovering her passion for writing. 


Curly-haired brown dog panting among purple flowers in a garden
Small white-and-brown dog looking up on a striped rug indoors
Dark brown horse in profile wearing a bridle, standing outdoors.
Tiny black kitten being held in hands, mouth open as if meowing, near a bright window.
Basset hound standing on a road, with floppy ears and a white-and-brown coat, against a blurred yellow background
Large black, white, and tan dog sitting in a wooded area, facing the camera.

Excerpt:

When a promise from God is all you have, then you live like it’s all you need. 


Solomon was standing in the middle of the field watching the other horses eat. Jodi grabbed two handfuls of hay from the box she had just filled and walked over to him. 


“Oh, sweet boy,” she said, “I’m sorry you’re not a part of the group yet.” 


As Solomon took the hay from her hand, the whiskers on his chin tickled her palm, while a memory of her own loneliness surfaced. 

“Can I tell you a secret?” Jodi quietly asked. “I know how much it hurts to be rejected. It makes everything feel dark. Hopeless.”


“Horses are so much easier to talk to than people.” Jodi whispered, “You are loved, Solomon. Whether you feel it or not, and whether or not the herd shows it, I promise you are loved. You are wanted. And your presence here matters.” 


Jodi let her hand trail down Solomon’s back and rested her head against his neck. As she breathed in the scents of horses, hay, and morning air, she felt the words she had just spoken to Solomon being whispered to her own heart. 


You are loved. 


You are wanted. 


You matter.