I was talking to a brother on the phone and we were just sharing at how amazing God answers our prayers. Then I remember this prayer that I am going to share with you. A very beautiful prayer that speaks so much about reverence of God, seeing Him in the beauty of nature and actually receiving answers from the ways of His creation. It was attributed to Yellow Hawk, a Sioux Chief. It is called The Great Spirit Prayer. Here it is:
“Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; 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.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. 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.”
If I may add a little more, let me pray: May we learn the ways of nature O God, because they are footprints of Your great plans for us. Amen.