Interfaith Day of Prayer – Prayer from Margaret Noodin

Gizhawenimimin Gichidibenjiged

We are blessed by you Lord

 

ezhi-aanikoobidooyan gakina gegoo.

you who connects all being.

 

Gizhawenimimin Giizis

We are blessed by you Sun

 

ezhi-mashkawizi’iyaang.

you give us light and strength.

 

Gizhawenimimin Dibiki-giizis

We are blessed by you Moon

 

gikinoo’amawiyaang zaagaasidiyaang.

you teach us the importance of reflection.

 

Gizhawenimimin Mashkiig

We are blessed by you Land and Water

 

ezhi-ditibiziyan wenji-bimaadiziyaang.

your circulation supports our living.

 

Apii zhawenimiyaang, zhawenimangidwaa.

As we are blessed, we bless others.

 

Apii zaagi’iyaang, zaagi’angidwaa.

As we are loved, we love others.

 

Apii noojimo’iyaang, noojimo’angidwaa.

As we are healed, we heal others.

 

Apii inawenimigooyan, inawenindiyaang.

As we are related to you, we are related to one another.

 

Naadamawishinaam daga noongom

Help us all now

 

Nagamotawishinaam daga noongom

Sing to us all now

 

Nanaa’ishinaam daga noongom

Repair us all now

 

Nana’isanishinaam daga Gichidibenjiged.

Bring peace to all our souls O Lord.

 

Margaret A. Noodin 

American poet and Anishinaabemowin language teacher, a Professor of English and American Indian Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.