Ojibway Prayer

Posted by Barbara (Florida, United States) on 31 December 2007 in Lifestyle & Culture.

As 2007 passes and we move into 2008, I end this year and begin the New Year with a prayer that is special to me.

This past year I gained new knowledge, strength and wisdom by spending time on the reservation with the tribe I belong to, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I relived memories of my childhood, traveled old and new paths. Listened to the sounds of the Hiawatha Trail and heard the thunder of the Tahquamenon Falls. It was like a rebirth for me, allowing me to grow, to step off of the old path and onto the new one that will lead me to where I need to be in my spirit. Life is a journey and I am traveling it.

~Ojibway Prayer~
Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to everyone.
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 sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made.
Make my ears sharp so I may hear your voice.
Make me wise, so that I may uderstand what you have taught my people, and the lessons you have hidden in each leaf and rock.

I ask for wisdom and strength.
Not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me ever 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Comments (11)

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

Not only is the shot amazing, surprising and very well taken.....but your caption is a delight to read and take in! I LOVE the prayer! It is true, we need wisdom and strength to sustain us through this life of ours, a journey easy to start, but so difficult to continue!
Barbara, your words are an eye-opener, they speak from soul to soul! I wish your journey through the New Year be safe and joyful!
Gabriela

31 Dec 2007 6:53am

@Japanalia: Thank you very much for your kind words, Gabriela. I am glad you "felt" the meaning of the prayer. Blessings to your in the New Year.

the lightwriter from oosterwolde, Netherlands

bon voyage to you Barbara!! i wish you a great connection from were you are are coming from to were you are now to were ever you will be

31 Dec 2007 9:35am

@the lightwriter: Thank you for your meaningful comment. You expressed is so beautifully. Happy New Year to you.

Frankie from Boxmeer, Netherlands

Thank you for your wise and encouraging words

I wish you wisdom and strength for a nice and joyful travelling through 2008

31 Dec 2007 9:39am

@Frankie: Thank you Frankie for your kind message. Happy New Year.

Judy from Brooksville-Florida,, United States

Dear Barb, I know how meaningful your trip to MI was and have enjoyed what you've shared with me. Now as this year comes to a close, I think your own personal 'closure' is that you have connected with your roots in a real and meaning way. ... Your photo is fantastic, your caption beautiful and the poem so touching. Let me end by quoting its ending:

I ask for wisdom and strength.
Not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself.
Make me ever 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.

Blessings in the the New Year!!!

31 Dec 2007 10:39am

@Judy: Thank you, Judy. Yes my journey to Michigan was very meaningful for me. I often recall certain moments that bring me peace and incredible strength. The portion of the prayer you quoted is a very meaningful part.
This staff with tobacco and medicine pouch, and Eagle feathers stood strong at the entrance to the lodge where my spirit name was given to me by a Great Tribal Elder. Healings, gatherings, and spirit stories were told in the lodge. I spent many hours for 2 days inside, which is considered a very sacred place. Blessings to you for the New Year.

juant3 from Bremen, Germany

May your journey be joyful, healthy, and full of wisdom during this traveling through Life! And may you always be able to share the wisdom you gain with all of us... Happy New Year!

31 Dec 2007 10:50am

@juant3: Thank you for your sincere comment, Juan. You have expressed it as someone with wisdom and understanding of the emotions of life. Happy New Year 2008.