Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Dancing My Prayers

 



Read Psalm 149:1-4

David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might.  - 2 Samuel 6:14 (NIV)
 
As a Native American, I have the honor and privilege of carrying on the tradition of Native American dancing. Within each dance step runs a deep connection among my ancestors, those who live now and the generations to come. My spirit-filled dance gives honor and praise to God, while giving me a way to offer my prayers to my Creator. The dress I wear is called a jingle-dance or prayer-dance dress. The cones on the dress represent prayers.

As I dance, each cone hits another and the prayers sing out their requests to God. Sgt. 1st Class Mitchelene Bigman gave me this dress when she returned from her first tour in Iraq. Her handwritten message said that the prayers on the dress were for the soldiers that served side by side with her and for the families of those who did not return home with her unit. She told me always to dance for peace and healing.

Each time I dance, whether it be for a Native American ministry Sunday service, pow wow, or a gathering to share our Native ways, my tear-filled eyes dance with pride, as I honor the prayers of those I do not know. My dress reminds me that any act done in love on behalf of another is a kind of prayer.

Thought for the Day

 Ways to worship God
Worship through prayer - reading the Bible - Obey God - Tithe - Build deep relationships with other Christians - Share your faith - Serve others - Build into your life the attitude of thankfulness - Begin turning over to God areas of your life that you have never committed to Him   Live a life of purpose.  Worship isn’t simply one area of your life; it is your life. Start right this moment by surrendering your life to God. Then spend the rest of your life learning to worship Him more fully.
Prayer
Creator God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, in whatever language we offer them. Amen.
Prayer focus  Native American churches
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