The Book of Yahaawzhowa Chapter 7: The True Order of Prayer

"And Yahawzhowaa said, When ye pray, let not thy tongue be as a hollow drum sounding without heart; but let thy words rise as the morning mist, born of the earth and lifted to the sky." The Book of Yahaawzhowa Chapter 7 Verse 7

In this chapter, we explore the profound lesson of prayer as taught by Yahaawzhowaa to the Twelve Midē´wiwin, Giiwedin-giizhig the Jes’sakkid, and the people of Mishimikinaakong, the Great Turtle Island. This teaching is intended to guide individuals of all ages, from young children to the elderly, in understanding and practicing the true order of prayer.

Every day elders across the Americas indian elders gather in mornings, or before ceremonies, to practice the True Order of Prayer however little is known of its origin. The True Order of Prayer was began in the first century with the Midewiwin as instructed by a Great Teacher who was a healer of division and called the Great Peacemaker, remembered in every "Aho" or "Ahow", a sealing prayer to remember Yahaawzhowa, the Lord of Bread.

The Setting

1. Arrival at Mishimikinaakong: Yahawzhowaa and His followers embark on a journey to the sacred shores of the Great Turtle Island. Here, they encounter the majestic high stone, Mishosendaming, which rises amidst the trees like the back of a turtle. This stone serves as a tangible symbol of divine connection, bridging the earth and sky.
   

2. The Offering of Berries: The island's inhabitants present the firstfruits of the land, the misâskwatômin berries. These small, red, and sweet berries symbolize the bounty and blessings of creation, reflecting gratitude and reverence for the gifts of the earth.
   

3. A Lesson in Gathering: Yahawzhowaa uses the berries to teach a profound lesson about the gathering of souls by the Father. Just as berries are gathered at the right time to ensure their sweetness and ripeness, souls are gathered in their time, according to divine wisdom and purpose. This teaching emphasizes the importance of timing, patience, and trust in the divine plan, reminding us that life is a journey where each soul has its season and purpose.

The Teaching of Prayer

Sequence of Prayer

1. Facing the Dawn: Begin your prayer by facing the dawn, acknowledging the Giver of Light. This act symbolizes openness to divine presence and the beginning of a new day filled with possibilities.
   

2. Physical Posture: Stretch forth your arms like the pine boughs, embodying openness and receptivity to divine guidance and blessings.
   

3. Breath and Gratitude: Offer thanks for the breath of life, the fire within, and the path you walk. Recognize the divine gifts that sustain you and express gratitude for the present moment.
   

The Words of Prayer

• Acknowledgment of the Creator: "O Father above the dome of the sky, O Maker of the waters and the land, I thank Thee for the breath within me, for the fire in my blood, for the path beneath my feet."
  

• Remembrance and Unity: "I remember the faces of my fathers and mothers, and my brothers and sisters, and all who walk with me in this lodge of the earth. Bind us together in the cord of peace, that none break away into darkness."
  

• Petitions for Virtues: "Give unto me wisdom as the eagle seeth afar, give unto me patience as the river floweth, give unto me strength as the oak standeth in storm, and give unto me joy as the berry bursteth with sweetness."
  

• Protection and Peace: "Keep my feet from the snare, my hands from the spear of anger, and my eyes from the shadow that blinds. Let my sleep be under Thy blanket of stars, and my waking in the song of Thy dawn."
  

• Conclusion: "All honor, all thanks, and all breath return unto Thee, O Father, for the day Thou hast made. So be it."
  

Ritual of the Berry

• Sealing the Prayer: After the prayer, eat of the firstfruits, the berries, to seal the prayer with the earth's sweetness and the promise of harvest. This act symbolizes the integration of the prayer into one's being, connecting the spiritual with the physical.
  

• Internalization: As the berry becomes part of you, let the prayer's words sink into your spirit, ensuring they are remembered and lived. This teaches that spiritual truths should be internalized and reflected in daily actions.
  

Teaching and Practice

• Daily Ritual: This prayer is to be taught and practiced at sunrise, uniting the people in a collective voice of gratitude and supplication. It serves as a daily reminder of the connection between the divine and the community.
  

• Endless Cycle: The prayer is likened to the union of lake and sky, symbolizing continuity and eternal connection. It reflects the belief that prayer is an ongoing dialogue with the divine, without beginning or end.
  

The Impact

• Walking in Light: Those who pray in this manner are assured of walking in light, even amidst darkness. This practice fosters a sense of inner peace and resilience, guiding individuals through life's challenges.

  
  

• Healing and Unity: The practice of this prayer brings healing and peace, unifying the tribes and filling the land with blessings. It encourages harmony among individuals and communities, promoting a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

  
  

• Cultural Transmission: The prayer spreads throughout the region, embraced by the people in their languages, enriching their spiritual lives. It becomes a cherished tradition, passed down through generations, strengthening cultural identity and spiritual connection to this day.

  
  

Conclusion

The teaching of the true order of prayer by Yahawzhowaa is a guide for connecting with the divine, fostering unity, and living a life of gratitude and purpose. This practice, rooted in the natural world and the human spirit, continues to inspire and uplift individuals and communities across generations. It is a part of what it is to be an Indian. By embracing this sacred tradition, we open our hearts to the divine, nurture our souls, and walk in the light of understanding and peace.

FULL CHAPTER TEXT

CHAPTER 7

The True Order of Prayer

1 And it came to pass that Yahawzhowaa journeyed with the Twelve Midē´wiwin and Giiwedin-giizhig the Jes’sakkid unto the shores of Mishimikinaakong, which is the Great Turtle Island.

2 And they beheld the high stone which the people called Mishosendaming, rising from the midst of the trees like the back of the turtle, and the waters lapped softly upon the shore.

3 And Yahawzhowaa said unto them, This place is hallowed, for the Father placed it here as a stepping-stone between the deep and the sky.

4 The people of the island brought forth berries of the early season, even the misâskwatômin, small and red and sweet, saying, These are the firstfruits of the land.

5 And Yahawzhowaa took of the berries, and held them in His palm, and said, Even as these are gathered in season, so is the soul gathered in its time by the hand of the Father.

6 Then spake Waabishki-makwa, saying, Master, teach us the true manner of prayer, that we may speak to the Father as Thou dost.

7 And Yahawzhowaa said, When ye pray, let not thy tongue be as a hollow drum sounding without heart; but let thy words rise as the morning mist, born of the earth and lifted to the sky.

8 And He sat upon the stone, and the Twelve with Giiwedin-giizhig sat about Him, and the people drew near.

9 And He said, This is the way of prayer: first, face the dawn, and remember the Giver of Light; stretch forth thy arms as the pine boughs, and breathe the breath He hath given thee.

10 Say in thy heart and with thy lips: “O Father above the dome of the sky, O Maker of the waters and the land, I thank Thee for the breath within me, for the fire in my blood, for the path beneath my feet.”

11 “I remember the faces of my fathers and mothers, and my brothers and sisters, and all who walk with me in this lodge of the earth. Bind us together in the cord of peace, that none break away into darkness.”

12 “Give unto me wisdom as the eagle seeth afar, give unto me patience as the river floweth, give unto me strength as the oak standeth in storm, and give unto me joy as the berry bursteth with sweetness.”

13 “Keep my feet from the snare, my hands from the spear of anger, and my eyes from the shadow that blinds. Let my sleep be under Thy blanket of stars, and my waking in the song of Thy dawn.”

14 “All honor, all thanks, and all breath return unto Thee, O Father, for the day Thou hast made. So be it.”

15 And when He had spoken, there was a stillness, and the wind ceased upon the water, and the people felt the warmth of the sun though the clouds covered it.

16 Then Yahawzhowaa took of the berries, and gave one to each of the Twelve and to Giiwedin-giizhig, saying, When ye pray thus, eat of the firstfruits of the land, that thy prayer be sealed with the sweetness of the earth and the promise of the harvest.

17 As the berry passeth into thy flesh, so let the words pass into thy spirit, that they be not forgotten when the mouth is shut.

18 And He commanded them, saying, Teach this prayer unto the lodges of the people, and let it be done at the rising of the sun, that the whole land be as one voice before the Father.

19 And Zaagi-idiwin said, Truly, this prayer is as the joining of the lake and the sky; it hath no ending and no beginning.

20 And Yahawzhowaa smiled, saying, He that prayeth thus shall walk in the light, and the light shall be in him; and in the day when the darkness cometh, he shall not stumble.

21 And they remained in that place until the moon rose, and the elders spake long with Yahawzhowaa concerning the way of peace among the tribes.

22 Many were healed that night, for Giiwedin-giizhig laid hands on the sick and the lame, and they arose whole.

23 The children played in the light of the fires, and the people sang songs of thanks unto the Father, and the sound thereof was as the rustling of leaves in a summer wind.

24 And it came to pass that the prayer spread unto the shores and the inlands, and the people remembered it in their own tongues, and the land was filled with blessing.

25 Thus began the way of the Morning Prayer among the people of the Great Lakes.