Chief Yellow Lark's

Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,

And whose breath gives life to all 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 hands respect the things your 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 rock.

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.

- Chief Yellow Lark -

Lakota -