An Indian Prayer

O' GREAT SPIRIT whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose life gives breath 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. I don't know who wrote this piece I only know that it is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever read. It is a prayer of the Sioux Nation. It came from Pine Ridge South Dakota. I share it with you now.