A Prayer from Clark Tenakhongva

As a prayer for the health and wellness of Hopi people and all people, Clark Tenakhongva recently recorded a morning prayer in Hopi language. Please listen on the home page and receive its blessings. You may also download it and share it with others.

Translation from Hopi to English:

Talavaynawakinpi (Hopi Morning Prayer)

“Thank you. We have been given another beautiful day, from our father the sun, and those who live unseen. Indeed, a new path of life, a good path of life has been laid out before us, upon which we may travel. On behalf of our people I pray that those who live unseen have sympathy for us during this time as a great affliction is upon us and continues to affect us all in one way or another. Yet it is my wish that people throughout this land, especially those who are Hopi continue to have faith and live in healthy self-reflection and prayer. When we are amongst the people, may we look out for one another and act responsibly and with restraint. I pray on behalf of our children and grandchildren, and on behalf of all the people of the world, as well as those who roam throughout the land, may they prosper and chase each other in good spirit. As we progress to the time of early planting, I encourage the men both young and old to be industrious and motivated as they take to the fields to plant. I encourage the women both young and old to continue to work with the knowledge that they have garnered from our Hopi traditions. Indeed, this affliction has brought an enormous challenge to the daily lives of us all, therefore may we exercise caution as we live our lives and may we act responsibly and with restraint. Through positive thinking and concerted effort, may we see ourselves through to new and better days. These things I ask in prayer for everyone, may life be beautiful again.”