In the Name of Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, the Most Ancient, the Great Mystery,
We call upon You, our Creator, with hearts consumed in the fire of longing.
Where is the light of Your sacred presence, O Beloved of all nations?
Those who walk close to You have been lost in the shadows of separation,
Where is the bright dawn of Your reunion, O Desire of all life?
The bodies of Your chosen ones tremble upon the distant sands,
Where is the ocean of Your presence, O Enchanter of all creation?
Hands outstretched in longing, rise to the heavens for Your grace,
Where is the rain of Your generosity, O Answerer of the people?
The winds of tyranny have blown from every side,
Where is the power of Your might, O Conqueror of the world?
The dogs of deceit howl from the shadows,
Where is the great bear of the forest, the strength of Your justice, O Great Protector?
Coldness has gripped the hearts of many,
Where is the warmth of Your love, O Fire, that brings life to all?
Calamity surrounds us from every direction,
Where are the signs of Your help, O Salvation of the world?
Darkness covers the land like a heavy blanket,
Where is the brightness of Your glory, O Radiance of the universe?
The hearts of men are filled with pride and malice,
Where are the sharp arrows of Your justice, O Destroyer of all evil?
Abasement has reached the depths of despair,
Where are the emblems of Your honor, O Glory of the people?
Sorrow clings to those who speak Your sacred name,
Where is the joy of Your revelation, O Light of the Sacred Circle?
Anguish weighs heavy upon the peoples of Mother Earth,
Where are the signs of Your gladness, O Joy of the nations?
Your sacred signs are hidden by the confusion of the world,
Where is the strength of Your hand, O Power of all creation?
Sore thirst grips the spirits of the people,
Where is the river of Your blessings, O Mercy of the world?
Greed has captured the hearts of humankind,
Where are the examples of true humility, O Keeper of the Sacred Path?
We stand alone in a distant land,
Where are the signs of Your faithfulness, O Trust of the nations?
The agony of death touches all living things,
Where is the eternal ocean of life, O Life-Giver of the universe?
The whispers of darkness have touched every soul,
Where is the fire of Your light, O Shining Star of the Sacred Skies?
The passions of this world have led many astray,
Where are the springs of purity, O Desire of those who seek truth?
We are veiled in the tyranny of this world’s confusion,
Where is the light of Your dawning day, O Spirit of the East?
Our voices are silenced by oppression,
Where will Your songs of freedom arise, O Meadow Lark of the Sacred Tree?
The people are wrapped in idle thoughts and empty imaginings,
Where are the voices of certainty, O Assurance of the people?
We are drowning in a sea of hardship and trials,
Where is the Sacred Grace of Your salvation, O Great Healer of the nations?
The lamps of truth and honor have been extinguished,
Where is the balancing wind of Your justice, O Mover of the world?
The sacred branches of the Tree of Life are broken by the winds of fate,
Where are the banners of Your strength, O Champion of the people?
This face is covered in the dust of slander,
Where is the breeze of Your compassion, O Mercy of the Sacred Circle?
The sacred robe of holiness is tarnished by the hands of deceit,
Where is the purity of Your spirit, O Adorner of all creation?
The sea of grace has been stilled by the actions of humankind,
Where are the waves of Your generosity, O Giver, of all good things?
The door to Your presence is locked by the hands of darkness,
Where is the key to Your bestowal, O Unlocker of the great mysteries?
The leaves of life have withered under the winds of confusion,
Where is the rain of Your mercy, O Bestower of all life?
The universe is darkened by the dust of revenge,
Where are the winds of Your forgiveness, O Great Forgiver?
We stand alone in a desolate land,
Where is the rain of Your heavenly grace, O Creator who sustains all?
O Great Spirit, we have heard Your call in the eternal realm,
Listening to the voices of Your people as we seek Your guidance.
If not for the cold winds of affliction, how would the warmth of Your Holy Power and Sacred Songs and Words comfort us?
If not for the trials we endure, how would the light of Your patience shine through?
We were made to endure, O Great Spirit of all peoples,
For by Your will, the banner of unity rises upon the highest peaks,
And the sea of Your bounty flows within the hearts of the people.
In our aloneness, the Sun of Oneness shines bright,
And through Your presence, the land Unity is adorned.
We wear the cloak of humility as our glory,
And the trials we face are the sacred adornments of our spirit.
O Creator, we see the hearts of many filled with hate,
Yet You overlook all wrongs, for You are the Concealer of all faults.
When the arrows of adversity fly, we move forward with strength,
When the lances of trials flash, we press onward with courage,
For You are the Sacrifice of all nations, the One who leads us on this sacred journey.
Aho, Mitakuye Oyasin. All My Relations!
Inspired by the Fire Tablet
Shunkmanu Me Yedo! Chanupa Sapa He Me Yedo!
Hinhan Wicasta/Deloria Tiospaye, Ihanktonwan and Chickasaw Nations
