Chief Jake Swamp: Giving Thanks

Thanks: “… Elder Brother Sun, we send thanks for shining your light and warming Mother Earth …” ~ Chief Jake Swamp

To be a human being is an honor,
and we offer thanksgiving for
all the gifts of life.

Mother Earth, we thank you for
giving us everything we need.

Thank you, deep blue waters
around Mother Earth,
for you are the force that takes
thirst away from all living things.

We give thanks to green grasses
that feel so good against our bare feet,
for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth’s floor.

Thank you, good foods from Mother Earth,
our life sustainers, for making us happy
when we are hungry.
Fruits and berries, we thank you for
your color and sweetness.

We are all thankful to good medicine herbs,
for healing us when we are sick.

Thank you, all the animals in the world,
for keeping our precious forests clean.

All the trees in the world, we are thankful
for the shade and warmth you give us.

Thank you, all the birds in the world,
for singing your beautiful songs for all to enjoy.

We give thanks to you, gentle Four Winds,
for bringing clean air for us
to breathe from four directions.

Thank you Grandfather Thunder Beings
for bringing rains to help all living things grow.

Elder Brother Sun, we send thanks
for shining your light and warming Mother Earth.

Thank you, Grandmother Moon,
for growing full every month
to light the darkness
for children and sparkling waters.

We give thanks, twinkling stars,
for making the night sky so beautiful
and for sprinkling morning dew drops on the plants.

Spirit Protectors of our past and present,
we thank you for showing us ways to live
in peace and harmony with one another.

And most of all, thank you, Great Spirit,
for giving us all these wonderful gifts,
so we will be happy and healthy
every day and every night.

~ Chief Jake Swamp