1. PRAYER IN 7 DIRECTIONS (Aspects based on words attributed to Chief Seattle)

2. EAST Great Spirit of Light, come to us out of the East (red) with the power of the rising sun. Let there be light in our words, let there be light on the paths that we walk. Let us remember always that you give the gift of a new day. And never let us be burdened with sorrow by not starting over again. Let us call into our hearts the needs of all our sisters and brothers in the direction East – as we look across to Eastern Europe, to Russia, (especially to those who suffer in Kyrgyzstan), to the Middle East, to China and to all of the Asia-Pacific region. We ask that you bless all with your gift of Light.

3. SOUTH Great Spirit of Creation, send us the warm and soothing winds from the South (yellow). Comfort us and caress us when we are tired and cold. Unfold us like the gentle breezes that unfold the leaves on the trees. As you give to all Earth your warm, moving wind, give that also to us, so that we may grow close to you in warmth. Let us call into our hearts the needs of all our sisters and brothers in the direction South – as we look across Italy, across the Mediterranean, to the southern hemisphere, to Sudan, Zimbabwe, and to all of Africa, to Latin America and even to Antarctica, at the bottom of the world. We ask that you bless all with your gift of life-giving warmth.

4. WEST Great Life-Giving Spirit, we face the West (black), the direction of sundown. Let us remember everyday that the moment will come when our suns will go down. Never let us forget that we must fade into you. Give us beautiful colors, give us great skies for setting, so that when it is our time to meet you, we can come with glory. Let us call into our hearts the needs of all our sisters and brothers in the direction West – as we look across Spain and Portugal, across the Atlantic to North America. We ask that you bless all with your gift of fertile darkness.

5. NORTH Great Spirit of Love, come to us with the power of the North (white). Make us courageous when the cold wind falls upon us. Give us strength and endurance for everything that is harsh, everything that hurts, everything that makes us squint. Let us move through life ready to take what comes from the north. Let us call into our hearts the needs of all our sisters and brothers in the direction North – as we look across Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, across northern Europe, all the way to the Artic Circle, at the top of the world. We ask that you bless all with your gift of endurance and courage.

6. UPWARD: TO THE HEAVENS Great Spirit of the heavens above, make us always aware that we are little and you are great. Keep us respectful of and grateful for the mysteries of the worlds beyond our reach. Let us recognize your work in the moon and stars of the night sky. We ask that you bless us with the grace of humility.

7. DOWNWARD: TO EARTH Great Spirit who created our Mother Earth, helps us to be responsible daughters and sons. Keep us aware of our interrelatedness with all of Creation. Never let us walk hurtfully on our Mother; let us work to make our footprints less visible. We ask that you bless us with the grace of carefulness.

8. INWARD: FOR MY INNER SELF Great Spirit who dwells within us, help us be grateful for the wonder of our existence. Each one of us uniquely reveals You. Help us to recognize Your presence in each of our sisters and brothers. Remind us always that we did not create the web of life; each one of us is but a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.