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.