Essence of the Divine

An Indian Prayer

O' GREAT SPIRIT,

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all the world,

hear me! I am small and weak, I need your

strength and wisdom.

Let Me Walk In Beauty, and make my eyes

ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make My Hands Respect the things you have

made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make Me Wise so that I may understand the

things you have taught my people.

Let Me Learn the lessons you have hidden

in every leaf and rock.

I Seek Strength, not to be greater than my

brother, but to fight my greatest

enemy...myself.

Make Me Always Ready to come to you with

clean hands and straight eyes.

So When Life Fades, as the fading sunset,

my spirit may come to you

without shame.

(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887)

published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church

.