The Sacred Seven Prayer, as shared by Elder Noel Knockwood, is a profound invocation to the Great Spirit, a universal presence revered in many Indigenous cultures. This prayer is not merely a recitation of words, but a heartfelt connection to the divine essence permeating all aspects of existence. It serves as a guide for living a balanced, respectful, and meaningful life, deeply intertwined with the natural world and the spiritual realm. The prayer is a tapestry woven with threads of gratitude, humility, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
At its core, the Sacred Seven Prayer is a call to acknowledge and honor the Great Spirit, recognizing its presence in every object, person, and place. It is a summoning, a bringing forth of the divine awareness into the present moment. This initial invocation sets the stage for a series of specific petitions directed towards the four cardinal directions, the heavens, the Earth, and ultimately, the soul. Each direction embodies distinct qualities and teachings, offering guidance on navigating life’s journey with wisdom and grace.
The North: The Realm of Strength and Resilience
The prayer begins with an address to the Great Spirit of the North, a region often associated with winter, cold, and the challenges of endurance. The imagery evoked is powerful: "Who gives wings to the waters of the air and rolls the thick snowstorm before Thee, Who covers the Earth with a sparkling crystal carpet above whose deep tranquillity every sound is beautiful." This vivid description paints a picture of both the harshness and the beauty of the North.
The petition to the Great Spirit of the North is a plea for strength and resilience. It asks for the ability to withstand the "biting blizzards" of life, the hardships and trials that inevitably come our way. However, it also emphasizes the importance of appreciating the beauty that follows these challenges. The "sparkling crystal carpet" and the "deep tranquillity" represent the peace and clarity that can be found after overcoming adversity. The North teaches us that even in the midst of hardship, there is beauty to be found, and that strength is born from enduring difficult times. The prayer encourages thankfulness for the lessons learned and the growth experienced in the face of adversity.
The East: The Source of Opportunity and New Beginnings
Moving eastward, the prayer turns to the Great Spirit of the East, the land of the rising sun and the dawn of each new day. This direction symbolizes opportunity, potential, and the unfolding of time. "Who holds in Your right hand the years of our lives and in Your left the opportunities of each day." The East is a reminder that each day brings fresh possibilities, and that the choices we make shape the course of our lives.
The petition to the Great Spirit of the East is a request for guidance in utilizing our gifts and talents wisely. It asks for the strength to avoid neglecting our potential and to resist the temptation of laziness. The prayer emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and making the most of each day and each year. It is a call to action, a reminder that we are the architects of our own destinies and that we must actively pursue our goals and aspirations. The East teaches us to be proactive, diligent, and mindful of the preciousness of time.
The South: The Heart of Compassion and Love
The Sacred Seven Prayer then shifts southward, invoking the Great Spirit of the South, a region associated with warmth, compassion, and love. The imagery here is evocative and comforting: "whose warm breath of compassion melts the ice that gathers round our hearts, whose fragrance speaks of distant springs and summer days." The South represents the thawing of emotional barriers, the blossoming of empathy, and the flourishing of connection.
The petition to the Great Spirit of the South is a plea for the cultivation of compassion and love. It asks for the dissolving of fears and hatreds, and the kindling of love into "flames of true and living realities." The prayer emphasizes the importance of kindness, mercy, and courage tempered with compassion. It teaches us that true strength lies not in dominance or aggression, but in empathy and understanding. The South reminds us that we are all interconnected, and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.
The West: The Path to Peace and Freedom
The prayer continues westward, addressing the Great Spirit of the West, the land of the setting sun and the vast expanse of prairies and mountains. This direction symbolizes peace, freedom, and the culmination of life’s journey. "with Your soaring mountains and free, wide rolling prairies, bless us with knowledge of the peace which follows purity of striving and the freedom which follows like a flowing robe in the winds of a well-disciplined life." The West represents the wisdom gained through experience and the serenity that comes from living a life of purpose.
The petition to the Great Spirit of the West is a request for guidance in finding peace and freedom through disciplined living and striving for purity. It asks for the understanding that the end is better than the beginning, and that the setting sun holds its own unique beauty and glory. The West teaches us the importance of perseverance, self-discipline, and the acceptance of the natural cycles of life and death. It reminds us that true freedom comes from within, from aligning our actions with our values and living a life of integrity.
The Heavens: A Connection to the Infinite
The Sacred Seven Prayer then ascends to the heavens, acknowledging the Great Spirit’s presence in the vastness of the sky, both during the day and night. "in the day’s infinite blue and amid the countless stars of the night season, remind us that you are vast, that you are beautiful and majestic beyond all of our knowing or telling." The heavens represent the infinite, the unknowable, and the boundless potential of the universe.
The petition to the Great Spirit of the Heavens is a reminder of our place in the grand scheme of things. It acknowledges the immensity and beauty of the divine, while also emphasizing its accessibility. The prayer reminds us that the Great Spirit is "no further from us than the tilting upwards of our heads and the raising of our eyes." The heavens teach us humility, awe, and the importance of seeking connection with something larger than ourselves.
Mother Earth: Gratitude for Abundance
The prayer then descends to Mother Earth, acknowledging the Great Spirit’s presence in the ground beneath our feet. "Master of metals, Germinator of seeds and the Storer of the Earth’s unreckoned resources, help us to give thanks unceasingly for Your present bounty." Mother Earth represents sustenance, nourishment, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The petition to the Great Spirit of Mother Earth is a plea for gratitude and appreciation for the Earth’s abundance. It asks for the ability to give thanks unceasingly for the resources and sustenance that the Earth provides. Mother Earth teaches us the importance of respecting and protecting the environment, recognizing that our well-being is inextricably linked to the health of the planet.
The Soul: The Divine Spark Within
Finally, the Sacred Seven Prayer turns inward, addressing the Great Spirit of our souls. "burning in our heart’s yearning and in our innermost aspirations, speak to us now and always so that we may be aware of the greatness and goodness of Your gift of life and be worthy of this priceless privilege of living." The soul represents our inner essence, our connection to the divine, and our potential for growth and transformation.
The petition to the Great Spirit of our souls is a plea for guidance and awareness. It asks for the ability to hear the Great Spirit’s voice within us, so that we may be aware of the "greatness and goodness" of life and be worthy of the "priceless privilege of living." The soul teaches us the importance of self-reflection, introspection, and cultivating a deep connection with our inner selves. It reminds us that we are all unique and valuable, and that we have the potential to live lives of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.
In conclusion, the Sacred Seven Prayer is a powerful and comprehensive invocation that encompasses all aspects of existence. It is a guide for living a balanced, respectful, and meaningful life, deeply intertwined with the natural world and the spiritual realm. The prayer is a testament to the wisdom and interconnectedness of Indigenous cultures and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to the divine and live a more fulfilling life.