A cool Lakota prayer

A site I have bookmarked on my toolbar is Heal Your Life .  Today I read Chris Prelitz's blog called "The Four Directions".   It's fabulous.  So I decided to share:

Last month I was on the Lakota reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota attending a Native American Sundance. One of the most profound experiences I had was having an elder teach me the traditional Four Directions Prayer.

It has become a favorite way for me to connect deeply with both spirit and nature. I'm using it to start and end each day. Traditionally, sage or sweetgrass is burnt and offered to the four directions as you pray from your heart.

I trust you'll find it a powerful way to connect and walk more deeply in beauty:

Four Directions Prayer

(Stand facing South)

Great Spirit,

Thank you for this day,

for the breath and life within me,

and for all of your creations.

As I face South, I allow the spirit of All Possibilities to

wash over me.

Wherever I have fear or doubt, I trust that answers will

come.

Show me it is right for me to make decisions

with my heart, even if at times, my heart becomes hurt.

Help me to grow and nurture my self-worth in all ways.

(When you feel the expansion of all possibilities, turn to

face West.)

The West is the direction where the White Buffalo lives.

White Buffalo stands for strength, bravery and courage.

As you breathe in, allow the power and energy of the White

Buffalo spirit to wash over you and awaken your warrior

within.

(When you feel that powerful presence, turn to face the

North.)

The North is the direction where the black-tailed deer lives.

This is the direction of the spirit energy of humbleness and

humility.

As you breathe in, allow your soul and spirit to be touched

with humbleness,

knowing that all we are, and all that we have, comes from

the Great Spirit.

(When you truly feel touched with grateful humbleness,

turn to the East.)

The East is the land of the Eagle—the symbol for wisdom

and discernment.

I ask the spirit of the Eagle to be with me.

Sharpen my eyes and ears to hear your direction on my

path.

Guide my steps, my actions, and my every word.

(When you feel a deeper connection to the eagle’s

wisdom, turn back and face the South)

Great Father Spirit and Mother Earth,

Thank you for your beauty, and for all you have given me.

Help me to remember to love and feel compassion for all

creation.

Help me to walk my path with joy and love for myself, for

others,

for the four-legged, the winged ones, the plants and all

creation.

Remind me never to take from you more than I need,

and remind me to always give back more than I take.

Today's Thought

I am not what is considered a "Christian". I do, however, take guidance and inspiration from ALL kinds of places, writings and teachers. Joel Osteen is my favorite "Christian" teacher at this time. I love how he takes principles from the Christian Bible and applies them to today's living. We all could use a little of that.

As I was reading his "Today's Thought" today, I realized that it was too good not to share with everyone. Enjoy:

"It’s good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can actually become an idol? If it’s all you think about, and you’re not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that’s out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to release that dream back to the Father.

Sometimes we can get frustrated because we are trying to force things to happen on our timetable. Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but when we finally are willing to let them go, that’s when God can bring them to pass. If you’ll choose to release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead, use that same time and energy to thank God that He’s directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart.

We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we need. He’s the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn’t be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future!"

Today's Daily Word...a GOOD one

PROSPERITY

I am blessed by the goodness of God.

Prosperity manifests in my life in myriad ways--not only as money. As I count my blessings, I realize that God's goodness is everywhere. I give thanks for my food, shelter, friends, family and livelihood. I focus on my blessings rather than dwelling on any perception of lack.

The more I look for things to be grateful for, the more blessings I find. By noticing these blessings and giving thanks, I am positive, productive and prepared for good.
The more good I perceive, the more I receive. As I appreciate all of God's blessings and dwell in abundance and contentment, even more goodness comes my way.

I choose to live in God's abundance, accepting all the blessings life has to offer.

I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given.--Luke 19:26