Great Spirit

Oh GREAT SPIRIT: Whose voice I hear in the winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am a man before You, one of Your many children - 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, my ears sharp to hear Your voice. Make me wise, so that I may know the things You have taught my people - the lesson You have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me ever ready to come to You with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades as a fading sunset my spirit may come to You without shame.

Chief Yellow Lark — Medicine Man - 1887

I came upon this prayer in April of 2005 while I was preparing a letter to my brother who was working his way back to health from rheumatoid arthritis.
The words reflect upon the physical manifestation of God that awaits me when I open my eyes, reach out and breath. Focusing attention on the tools and instruments at hand allows me to discover my own nature, bringing to me the realization of the All powerful harmonious note that resonates through All.
The photo behind the prayer was taken facing east on 4/12/05 @ 7:17 pm. A subtle glimpse of life as a splash of color on a gray background with a flutter of activity, a covenant of hope & beauty that is Love.