5 Native American Prayers for Peace
First, I'd like to say "thank you" for being so gracious and understanding over these last few weeks while I took some time away from the internet.
It feels good to be back here writing again.
That time was, in part, a chance to get back to center; to work slowness into my life and just, well, be.
My grandpa's passing told me to make it a priority.
To make our time spent here, on Mother Earth, and the beauty of our connections a priority -- death makes you reconsider how well you've been doing that.
Which led me to these Native American prayers.
I've been working on some new art prints and came across these while gathering inspiration.
Actually, my hunt started when I found this Sioux Prayer on the underside of the cap of my iced tea:
"Teach us to walk the soft Earth as relatives to all that live."
Hey, you never know where inspiration will come from!
With everything that's happened this year, we could use some prayers for peace.
We could do with some fresh air and some ancient wisdom: a little perspective.
With respect for the people who came before us, whose words and ways continue to shine light on the mountains and valleys of life, these prayers.
Let's get back to what matters.
Let us know beauty again.
Let's love each other like it's our reason for being here in the first place.
5 Native American Prayers for Peace
Let us know peace.
For as long as the moon shall rise,
For as long as the rivers shall flow,
For as long as the sun shall shine,
For as long as the grass shall grow,
Let us know peace.
— Cheyenne Prayer
May all I say and all I think
be in harmony with Thee,
God within me,
God beyond me,
Maker of the Trees.
— Chinook Prayer
Fill us with the Light.
Give us the strength to understand, and the eyes to see.
Teach us to walk the soft Earth as relatives to all that live.
— Sioux Prayer
Hold on to what is good, even if it’s a handful of Earth.
Hold on to what you believe, even if it’s a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do, even if it’s a long way from here.
Hold on to your life, even if it’s easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand, even if someday I’ll be gone away from you.
— Pueblo Prayer
Earth teach me stillness
as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering
as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility
as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring
as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage
as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation
as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom
as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation
as the leaves which die in the fall.
as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep with rain.
— "Earth Teach Me to Remember," John Yellow Lark, Ute
. . .
Tell me:
Which words and sentiments speak most clearly to your heart?
Tell me in the comments. I'd love to know what you think.
Lots of love,
Jen
Comments on this post (18)
Thank you – prayers pure and true – magical people until we came along.
— dian larkin
Beautiful and deeply inspiring!
— Jess Lederman
I never felt sincere praying until now that I read these beautiful prayers
— James Ochoa
Thank you for your reminders that we are all connected to each other thru the earth that has provided everything for us. As I have enter the later years of my life, there are different concerns and anxieties that enter in. It helps to remember that we are part of the life that has existed thru every person that has ever lived regardless of who they were. People who have all experienced the concerns and anxieties who can help us thru with the wisdom they can have been given thru God that they can pass on to us. Love and caring for each other.
— Harvey Lewis
Thank you for the beautiful prays ❤️ It’s helps a lot 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Millie
The John Yellow Lark (Ute) prayer. Fills my soul with both humility and courage.
— Charley Mike
Thanks for sharing! It is wonderful to learn anew! I’m grateful! To have a moment serene and patience arises.
— Sabrina June
Such beautiful words and so needed in this dark time of war in Ukraine and world wide pandemic. Thankyou so much for sharing.
— Fran Smith
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THIS!
— GRACE TERRY
Thank you so much for sharing this. I really needed a powerful one to ground myself. May Creator continue to bless you and your family….and our beautiful Native brothers and sisters. Aho.
— Jackie Quequesah
HONESTLY I’M VERY PLEASED TO SAY IM TOUCHED. THANKS FOR SHARING
— CHRISTINA BASS
I can’t say enough to voice how much this is needed right now. Thank you!
— Elisha Olivas
Thank you, beautiful prayers. My heart is full.
Warmly, Pamela
— Pamela
Thank you for connecting us through these prayers. This line inspired me most.
“Earth teach me to forget myself
as melted snow forgets its life.”
— Karl
Earth teach me to remember kindness
as dry fields weep with rain.
Beautiful prayers all. But these words speak to me today. Glad to have found you, Jen. Thank you. Blessings to you.
Julia
— Julia
There are some unexpected gifts and lessons from this year, Jim. :)
— Jennifer Williamson
Jen, I’ve miss seeing people’s smiles behind all the masks but I’ve realized they are smiling more with their eyes now and that helps a lot. Some people’s eyes are so beautiful. I hope you are doing well and are happy.
Your friend.
— Jim
Jen,
Thank you for these beautiful prayers.
— Jim