Native Prayer...A Reminder As The Earth Suffers

This has hung in my Dining Room for almost 20 years...
As we continue to watch the Earth suffer, let us try to remember to thank her for her treasurers... and in the future, let us try to respect and care for them with love.

Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota

Oh, 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 hold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made.
My ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand
The things you might teach me.

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 clear hands and straight eyes.

So when life fades, as the fading sunset.
My spirit may come to you without shame.