O 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 and 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.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother or sister, 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.
John Predmore, S.J., is a USA East Province Jesuit and was the pastor of Jordan's English language parish. He teaches art and directs BC High's adult spiritual formation programs. Formerly a retreat director in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ignatian Spirituality is given through guided meditations, weekend-, 8-day, and 30-day Retreats based on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian Spirituality serves the contemporary world as people strive to develop a friendship with God.
Thank you. It could also be a pilgrim's prayer :-)
ReplyDeleteAh, such humility. The author knows one's place with God. I think it is fitting for many people.
DeleteThis is a beautiful prayer that I will use in my volunteer work with people touched by the justice system as many of our folk are aboriginal. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTerrific. I'm sure they will appreciate it and identify with it.
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