I came across The Great Spirit Prayer in my reading today, always a favorite of mine. The was translated into English in 1887 by a Lakota Sioux Chief named Yellow Lark. Research describes Chief Yellow Lark as a man of peace who wished for the Native Americans to live harmoniously. I love the reverence for nature in the words of the prayer. Going to read it for my nighttime prayers tonight.

Here’s the prayer. “Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world hear me! I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever hold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands 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 rock. Help me remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me. 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.” Beautiful words.

When we make prayer a part of our daily routine we can find peace as we turn our worries over to God, letting him carry our burdens. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We communicate to God through our prayers. Our prayers deepen our faith and bring us closer to God. We connect to God on a personal level through our prayers.

We thank God in our prayers, seek his guidance, and find comfort in praying. Psalm 145:18 tells us, “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” To me the most wonderful thing about prayer is the hope and optimism that comfort us when we face difficult times. We have to be dedicated and faithful in our prayers, believing that God hears us and will answer our prayers. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” James 4:8.

My oldest grandson was diagnoses with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis as a toddler. He lost the use of both his arms but recovered and after three years of physical and occupational therapy regained the use of his arms. He’s thriving now, healthy and happy in high school. My oldest great-nephew suffered with Aplastic anemia with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria as a teenager and overcame his life threatening illness through a bone marrow transplant. He’s now a senior at Auburn University with medical school in his future. The amount of people who prayed for these two boys produced the miracles that healed them. I will always believe the prayer warriors with God’s grace and the dedication of their doctors healed Alexander and Nate. These two young men light up the world with their smiles. Both boys appreciate a second chance at life and you can tell by their demeanor they will contribute to make this world a better place. Prayer can move mountains. I’ve seen them moved.

We connect to God on a personal level through our prayers. Prayers are solemn requests and expressions of thanks addressed to God. We have to be dedicated and persistent with our prayers, believing God is always listening. No request is too small or too large to take to God in prayer. We might not always get our prayers answered but we have to trust in God’s guidance. As Garth Brooks sings, “Just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care. Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul.” — Mahatma Gandhi