Let Me Walk in Beauty
Oh, Great Spirit
Whose voice we hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the Worlds.
Hear me.
I come before you, one of your many children – Lend me your strength and wisdom.
Walk with me in beauty, so my eyes will always behold the red and purple sunset.
May my hands respect all the things you have made; my ears are sharp so I may hear your voice. With you at our side we are Wise, so that we may know the things you have taught my people – the lesson you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers and sisters, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy – myself. We are ever ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades as a fading sunset our spirit may come to you without shame.
– Native American Prayer
Translated by Chief Yellow Lark in 1887
Native American Missionary and Medicine Man
Lakota Tribe
