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AN OJIBWAY PRAYER
Oh, Great Spirit,
whose voice I hear in the winds,
and whose breath gives life
to all the world, hear me!
I come to you as one of your many
children; I am weak...
I am small...I need your wisdom
and your strength.
Let me walk in beauty,
and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunsets.
Make my hands respect
the things you have made,
and make my ears sharp
so I may hear your voice.
Make me wise
so I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn
the lessons you have hidden
in every leaf and rock.
I ask for wisdom and strength
not to be greater than my brothers
and sisters, but to fight my greatest
enemy—myself.
Make me always ready
to come before you with clean hands
and a straight eye,
So as life fades away, as a fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you
without shame.
 - George Walters,
White Earth Chippewa
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