~   CHOCTAW SPIRITUAL PRAYER   ~

Oh Great Spirit Father, who sits on high beyond the heavens,
Creator of all life below, please hear my spiritual prayer.
For I seek guidance in a world where few can lay claim to eternal peace.

Grant me the vision to see beyond tomorrow's horizon, yet still
accept my daily trials, that must and will be faced to survive.
Give me the strength to rise each day and breathe the breath of life
that you have provided for me.

Touch my spiritual soul, so that I may use every moment to spread
your sacred message of love and peace for all mankind.
I ask only the privilege to speak my native tongue, and learn
the ways of my people, from generations of old.

Help me to understand and accept that we are of one body, and
God, as each spirit flows, from one to another in a sacred hoop.
Let the trails that bore my ancestors blood and tears, and the
chains that bound their freedom serve as reminders to all,
 of our hate and savagery against one another, and ensure its
trust that we as a people choose never to repeat such ignorance.

Guide my feet down the passage of forgiveness, of those who have
severed my tribal ties, and help me to bind them once more.
Teach this child, oh Great One, the true lesson of life, its sacred
message of love, to spread freely beyond self, and among my
brothers and sisters throughout the duration of my earthly existence.

May your morning sun awaken this weary body, and your night
moon allow it to meditate and rest.

May your spirit continue to heal and instill within me the meaning of
this spiritual prayer, and trust that I use it to serve you well.

JACQUALINE WILLIAMS RIPPY