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 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, 1887,
published in Native American Prayers by the Episcopal Church
This is Day 20 of Right Here. Throughout October, I’m joining with a community of bloggers (linking up with The Nester) — all of whom are writing each day of the month about a topic of their choosing. To find all posts in 31 Days of Right Here, click here, or see the listing below.
To continue receiving these daily words, subscribe to this blog on the sidebar at left, click here to Like Draw Near on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @AshleyMLarkin. I am immensely grateful to share the journey with you.
POSTS IN THE SERIES
An introduction: Welcome to 31 Days of Right Here
Day 1: For You, Too
Day 2: Fear’s Invitation
Day 3: My Portion
Day 4: Five Minute Friday – Write
Day 5: Rise and Shine
Day 6: My Joys Mount As Do the Birds
Day 7: A Mother’s Fierce Love
Day 8: When Life’s A Mad Rush – How To Slow Time
Day 9: The Fight For Right Here Told Through Two Tales of Epic Whining (Part I)
Day 10: The Fight For Right Here Told Through Two Tales of Epic Whining (Part II)
Day 11: Five Minute Friday: Ordinary
Day 12: When Right Here’s A Mess
Day 13: O God, We Thank You
Day 14: The Date That Almost Wasn’t
Day 15: One Thing That Makes Us Human
Day 16: That We Might See And Remember
Day 17: In Which I Hit A Wall
Day 18: Five Minute Friday: Laundry
Day 19: When You Can’t Hold All The Moments
Day 20: Let Me Walk In Beauty
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
Oh Ashley thank you thank you thank you!!!!
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I didn’t realize I’d actually already posted a comment…I thought that was a personal email response to you. Oopsy. Anyway, what I would have LIKED to say is that the Navajo people also have – as central to their worship and sense of gratitude – “walk in Beauty.” I’ve always loved that. And this prayer – how very very beautiful!! Now I’ll say “thank you thank you!” May you always walk in beauty.
“Walk in Beauty.” I love that. And to you, as well.
Dear Ashley
This is so beautiful. One thing that we as God’s children we soon come to realize is that we cannot fight ourselves, that is the Great Spirit’s job!
Blessings XX
Mi
Beautiful prayer and a beautiful picture. That is my favorite fall leaf color.
So hard to choose, but I think I’d have to say it’s mine too. Thanks for your presence here.
Ashley – this post is breathtaking! What a gorgeous photo, and I LOVE that prayer/poem! :) So grateful you are linking up and joining Sacro Speco. Will I be lucky enough to see you at Allume this weekend? Hope so! :) Blessings, friend!
Wish I could have seen you at Allume. Look forward to linking up again sometime soon at Sacro Speco!