GREAT SPIRIT

[Great Spirit Prayer of the Iroquois]


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.

I come to you as one of your many children.

I am small and weak,

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.