The Cherokee Prayer

THE CHEROKEE PRAYER

(to the tune of Amazing Grace)

Introductory instrumental with these verses:

My  spirit will wander these lands, now and forever more

Hold on to what is good, even if it’s a handful of earth

Hold on to what you believe, even if it’s a tree that stands alone by itself

Hold on to what you must do, even if it’s a long way from here

Hold on to your life, even if it’s easier to let go

Hold on to my hand, even if someday I’ll be gone away from you.

(Sing in Cherokee language and to the tune of Amazing Grace):

Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds

And whose breath gives life in all the world, hear me

I am small and weak, I need strength and wisdom

Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold

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.

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.