WINNEBAGO INDIAN PRAYER O great spirit, Whose voice I hear in the wind, And whose breath gives life to 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 hand 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 every rock. I seek strength,not to be greater than my brother, But fight my greatest enemy-Myself. Make me always ready to come to you. With clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades,like the fading sunset, My spirit may come to you without shame. |