Protection is much more than just avoiding bodily injury in the ancient and varied spiritual landscapes of North America’s Indigenous peoples. It is an all-encompassing effort that entails protecting the home from discordant spirits, the heart from resentment, and the mind from negative thoughts.
Native American tribes, ranging from the Navajo of the southwest to the Lakota of the plains, have used elemental invocation, rhythmic chant, and spoken word to establish a holy barrier around their villages for centuries. The deep realization that we live in a universe of interrelated energy, where the visible and invisible realms continuously intersect, is the foundation of these prayers.
The Four Directions are frequently acknowledged at the start of indigenous protection prayers. This is a spiritual perspective that recognizes the Creator’s presence everywhere in the universe; it is not just geography. The North offers the perseverance to endure life’s storms.
The West brings the strength to confront the end of difficulties; the South brings the warmth of protection against the cold of solitude; and the East brings the light of protection against confusion. A person becomes a part of the vast, protective fabric of creation rather than a lone target when they align themselves within this sacred circle.
Additionally, these prayers frequently highlight the protection of the “Seven Generations.” Protection is rarely sought for the individual alone; rather, it is a collective plea that encompasses the ancestors who gave us life as well as the unborn offspring. The words stated have more weight and power because of this strong sense of duty. A Native American elder who prays for protection over a home is requesting that the Great Spirit preserve the family’s spiritual heritage, values, and stories. For the Christian reader, this is reminiscent of Scripture’s generational promises, in which God promises to be loyal for a thousand generations.
30 Powerful Native American Prayers For Protection ([current_datee format=”Y”])
1. Prayer for Protection Against Unseen Enemies
Native American spirituality recognizes that not all threats are visible to the human eye. Negative energies, spiritual discord, and the “shadows” of the heart can be just as damaging as physical danger. This prayer focuses on creating a spiritual barrier that filters out anything that does not come from a place of light and truth. The explanation is rooted in the belief that the Great Spirit can sharpen our discernment, allowing us to sense danger before it arrives. It is a request for the “eyes of the spirit” to be open, ensuring that we walk in a circle of light that unseen forces cannot cross.
“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.” — Isaiah 54:17
prayer
Great Spirit, I stand in the center of Your light and ask for Your protection. Shield me from the arrows that fly in the dark and the shadows that creep into the mind. Let Your presence be a wall of fire around my soul that no unseen enemy can breach. Clear my path of traps and hidden snares. I ask that You would blind the eyes of those who wish me harm and deafen the ears of those who speak against my peace. Keep me safe in the hollow of Your hand, now and forever. Amen.
2. Prayer for the Protection of the Home
The home is considered a “Sacred Lodge” where the family’s spirit resides. This prayer focuses on guarding the entryways—the doors, windows, and the very air within the walls. The explanation emphasizes the use of “Spiritual Sentinels,” asking the Great Spirit to station guardians at the four corners of the property. We are asking for the removal of bickering, anxiety, and external strife, replacing them with a “Cedar-scented peace.” By praying this, the home becomes a sanctuary where the inhabitants can rest without fear, knowing that the Creator is the Master of the House and its primary Defender.
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:8
prayer
O Great Spirit, Master of the Sacred Lodge, I ask You to place Your guard upon this home. Watch over every door and window, and let only peace and truth enter here. Drive away the spirits of discord and the shadows of worry. May the four corners of this house be anchored in Your strength. Bless those who sleep within and those who cross the threshold. Let this be a place of safety, a refuge from the storms of the world. May Your light dwell in every room and Your protection be our roof. Amen.
3. Prayer for Protection During Travel
Travel, whether across the plains or through modern highways, involves leaving the safety of the known. This prayer explains the concept of the “Straight Path,” asking the Creator to remove obstacles and guide the traveler’s feet. It is a petition for the protection of the “Wanderer,” invoking the imagery of the North Star as a steady guide. We are asking for the Great Spirit to be the wind at our back and the solid ground beneath our feet. This prayer ensures that the traveler remains alert and is shielded from accidents, mechanical failures, and the ill intentions of strangers.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” — Psalm 91:11
prayer
Great Spirit, Guide of the Wanderer, I ask for Your protection as I begin this journey. Be the light upon my path and the strength in my stride. Remove the stones that would trip me and the storms that would turn me back. Let Your watchful eyes see what I cannot, and guide my hands and feet with wisdom. Protect my coming and my going, and bring me safely to my destination. May the winds be kind and the road be clear. I travel in Your shadow and trust in Your constant care. Amen.
4. Prayer for the Protection of Children
Children are the “Little Buds” of the tribe, representing the future and the most vulnerable part of the community. This prayer focuses on a “Mantle of Safety” that surrounds the young ones. The explanation highlights the role of the “Grandmother and Grandfather spirits” in watching over the play and sleep of children. We are asking for the Great Spirit to shield their innocence from the harshness of the world and to guide their developing minds away from negative influences. It is a request for a protective “Hedge of Grace” that follows them to school, play, and rest.
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:3
prayer
O Great Spirit, Protector of the Little Buds, I place my children in Your holy care. Wrap them in a mantle of safety that no harm can penetrate. Guard their feet from the wrong path and their hearts from the words of the wicked. Let Your angels play with them, and Your wisdom teach them. When they sleep, be their peace; when they wake, be their strength. Keep them from the snares of the world and preserve their innocence in the light of Your love. Thank You for being their ultimate Guardian. Amen.
5. Prayer for Protection Against Sickness
Health is seen as a state of harmony, and sickness is often viewed as an intrusion of discord. This prayer focuses on the “Shield of the Body,” asking the Creator to fortify the immune system and the spirit against pestilence. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Healing Waters,” asking that the blood be kept pure and the breath be kept strong. We are petitioning for a barrier against the “invisible darts” of disease. It is a prayer for vitality and the strength to remain upright, recognizing that a protected body is a better vessel for the Great Spirit’s work.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” — Jeremiah 17:14
prayer
Great Spirit, Giver of Life and Breath, I ask for Your protection against the shadows of sickness. Strengthen my body as the mountain is strong, and let my blood flow as pure as the mountain stream. Shield my lungs from the tainted air and my heart from the heaviness of disease. I ask that You would be a wall of health around me and my kin. Drive away the spirits of infirmity and let Your healing light permeate every cell of my being. I stand in the strength of Your protection and give You praise. Amen.
6. Prayer for Protection of the Mind and Thoughts
The mind can be a battlefield where anxiety, doubt, and darkness attempt to take root. This prayer focuses on “Mental Fortification,” asking the Great Spirit to act as a filter for the thoughts. The explanation centers on the “Sacred Silence,” where the noise of the world is pushed back so that the voice of the Creator can be heard. We are asking for protection against “the voices of despair” and the mental fatigue that leaves us vulnerable. It is a request for a “Helmet of Peace” that guards the intellect and the imagination from being hijacked by fear.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7
prayer
O Great Spirit, Master of the Inner Silence, I ask You to guard my mind this day. Shield my thoughts from the arrows of anxiety and the weight of despair. Let Your truth be a filter that removes all lies and distractions. I ask for the clarity of the eagle and the peace of the still lake. Do not let my imagination be used by the darkness, but let it be a garden for Your light. Keep my mind stayed on You, and let Your peace be the sentinel that stands guard over my heart. Amen.
7. Prayer for Protection of the Ancestral Legacy
Our protection often comes from the wisdom and the prayers of those who went before us. This prayer focuses on “Generational Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to preserve the values and the spiritual strength of the family lineage. The explanation emphasizes the connection between the “Old Roots” and the “New Shoots.” We are asking that the protection afforded to our ancestors continue to cover us today. It is a request to be shielded from “Inherited Darkness,” ensuring that only the blessings and the light of our heritage are passed down to the generations to come.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.” — Psalm 103:17
prayer
Great Spirit, God of our Fathers and Mothers, I thank You for the roots that sustain me. I ask for Your protection over the legacy of my family. Shield our name from dishonor and our history from being lost. Let the prayers of my ancestors be a canopy over my head today. I ask that You would break every chain of past darkness and let only Your light flow through our bloodline. Protect the stories and the wisdom of the elders, and let them be a shield for the youth. We are safe in Your continuity. Amen.
8. Prayer for Protection Against Malice and Gossip
Words have power, and the “Cutting Tongue” can cause deep spiritual wounds. This prayer focuses on protection against the “arrows of speech”—gossip, slander, and malicious intent. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Buffalo Hide,” asking the Great Spirit to make our spirits thick and resilient so that the words of others cannot penetrate. We are asking for the “Wind of Truth” to blow away the lies and for the Creator to act as our Advocate. It is a petition to remain unbothered by the opinions of the wicked, resting instead in the approval of the Divine.
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.” — Psalm 17:8-9
prayer
O Great Spirit, Defender of the Innocent, I ask for Your protection against the sharp tongues of the world. Shield my reputation and my peace from the poison of gossip and the malice of the envious. Let their words fall to the ground like dead leaves, powerless to harm me. Be my Shield and my Spokesman. I ask that You would close the mouths of those who speak lies and let Your truth be my defense. I refuse to be wounded by the breath of the wicked, for I am hidden in Your shadow. Amen.
9. Prayer for Protection of the Earth and Resources
We are protected when the land that sustains us is protected. This prayer focuses on the “Shielding of the Elements”—the water, the soil, and the food we eat. The explanation centers on the stewardship of the earth, asking the Great Spirit to protect our resources from greed and contamination. We are asking for the “Hedge of the Harvest,” ensuring that our physical needs are met and that the land remains a safe place for our children to grow. It is a prayer for environmental and economic safety, recognizing that the Creator is the source of all provision and our ultimate Provider.
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” — Psalm 24:1
prayer
Great Spirit, Provider of all things, I ask for Your protection over the land and the waters. Shield our fields from the blight and our streams from the poison. Protect the food we eat and the air we breathe. I ask that You would thwart the plans of the greedy who would destroy the earth for gain. Let Your providence be a wall around our resources, ensuring that there is always enough for the humble. We trust in Your ability to sustain the earth and to protect the environment that sustains our lives. Amen.
10. Prayer for Protection During the Night
The night is a time of vulnerability, where the physical senses are dimmed. This prayer focuses on “Sacred Sleep,” asking the Great Spirit to guard the subconscious and the physical body during rest. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Dream Catcher,” asking that only messages of hope and divine guidance be allowed to reach the spirit. We are petitioning for protection against “Night Terrors” and the spiritual attacks that occur in the dark. It is a request for the “Peace of the Stars,” ensuring that we wake refreshed and unburdened by the shadows of the night.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8
prayer
O Great Spirit, Watcher of the Night, I ask for Your protection as I lay down to rest. Let Your angels stand at the four corners of my bed. Shield my dreams from the darkness and my spirit from the wandering shadows. I ask for a sleep that is deep and a holy rest. Drive away the spirit of fear and the terrors of the night. Let me wake with the first light of the sun, refreshed and ready for Your service. I trust my life into Your hands while I sleep. Amen.
11. Prayer for Protection Against Financial Lack
Economic instability can feel like a predator at the door. This prayer focuses on “Provision Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the family’s livelihood and resources. The explanation emphasizes the “Buffalo’s Abundance,” recalling how the Creator provided for the needs of the tribes in the past. We are asking for protection against “the devourer”—loss of work, bad investments, or unforeseen expenses. It is a petition for “Economic Fortitude,” asking that the family’s storehouse be kept full and that their ability to earn a living be shielded from the malice of the world.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
prayer
Great Spirit, Source of all Abundance, I ask for Your protection over my livelihood. Shield my work from the hands of the envious and my resources from the spirit of lack. I ask that You would open doors of provision that no man can shut. Protect my family from the hunger of poverty and the stress of debt. Be the Wall around our finances and the Guide for our stewardship. I trust that You who feed the birds of the air will also protect the needs of Your children. Amen.
12. Prayer for Protection of Spiritual Gifts
Every person is born with “Sacred Gifts” meant for the service of the community. This prayer focuses on guarding these talents from being stolen, corrupted, or dimmed by discouragement. The explanation centers on the “Inner Fire,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the passion and the purpose within. We are asking for a shield against “the spirit of comparison” and the criticism that kills creativity. It is a request for the “Anointing of Safety,” ensuring that the light we carry into the world remains bright and unquenched by the winds of opposition.
“For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” — 2 Timothy 1:6
prayer
O Great Spirit, Giver of the Sacred Gifts, I ask You to protect the light You have placed within me. Shield my purpose from the dampening winds of discouragement and the theft of the envious. Let my talents grow in the safety of Your shadow. Do not let me bury my gifts out of fear, but let them flourish for Your glory. Guard my heart from the pride that corrupts and the doubt that paralyzes. I am Your instrument; protect the music You have placed in my soul. Amen.
13. Prayer for Protection During Conflict
When we find ourselves in the midst of a “Battle of Wills” or an outright confrontation, we need divine shielding. This prayer focuses on the “Warrior’s Peace,” asking the Great Spirit to protect us from responding in anger while shielding us from the aggression of others. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Smoke of Reconciliation,” asking that the Creator would go before us as a Peacemaker. We are asking for the “Protection of the Tongue” and the “Shield of the Heart,” ensuring that we emerge from conflict without having lost our integrity or our safety.
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” — Exodus 14:14
prayer
Great Spirit, Peacemaker of the Universe, I ask for Your protection as I face this conflict. Shield my heart from the poison of anger and my mind from the desire for revenge. Be a wall between me and those who seek to harm me with their words or actions. I ask that You would calm the storms of strife and bring a resolution that honors Your light. Protect my integrity and my physical safety. I stand behind Your shield and wait for Your peace to prevail. Amen.
14. Prayer for Protection of the Community/Tribe
Individual safety is tied to the safety of the collective. This prayer focuses on “Communal Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the entire neighborhood, church, or community. The explanation emphasizes the “Circle of the People,” asking that the Creator would be a wall around the village. We are asking for protection against “Social Discord,” crime, and the external forces that seek to divide and conquer. It is a request for “Relational Protection,” ensuring that the bonds of brotherhood remain strong and that the community remains a safe place for all to dwell.
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in harmony!” — Psalm 133:1
prayer
O Great Spirit, Father of all the Tribes, I ask for Your protection over my community. Shield us from the spirits of division and the hands of those who bring violence. Let Your peace be the glue that holds us together. Protect our elders, our youth, and our families. I ask that You would be a wall around our gathering places and a light in our streets. May we be a people protected by Your love and guided by Your wisdom. Keep our circle strong and our hearts united in Your peace. Amen.
15. Prayer for Protection of the Emotional Heart
The “Inner Heart” can be wounded by betrayal, grief, and disappointment. This prayer focuses on “Emotional Fortification,” asking the Great Spirit to act as a balm and a shield for the feelings. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Softened Stone,” asking that the heart remain sensitive to God but protected from the “callousness of the world.” We are petitioning for protection against “Heartbreak” and the emotional exhaustion that leads to bitterness. It is a request for a “Sacred Buffer” that allows us to love without being destroyed by the pain of the journey.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
prayer
Great Spirit, Healer of the Wounded, I ask You to protect my heart this day. Shield me from the sting of betrayal and the heaviness of grief. Let Your love be a buffer between my emotions and the harshness of the world. I ask that You would keep my heart soft toward Your voice but strong against the arrows of malice. Heal the wounds I already carry and protect me from new ones. I trust in Your ability to bind up my heart and to keep it safe in Your love. Amen.
16. Prayer for the Protection of the Animals and Kin
In Native American thought, the “All Our Relations” include the four-legged, the winged, and the finned. This prayer focuses on the “Protection of the Innocent Creatures” that share our lives. The explanation emphasizes the role of animals as spiritual companions and protectors. We are asking the Great Spirit to shield our pets and livestock from predators, disease, and cruelty. It is a request for the “Protective Wing” of the Creator to cover the animals that serve us and bring us joy, recognizing that their safety is part of the overall harmony of the home.
“Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord.” — Psalm 36:6
prayer
O Great Spirit, Creator of all life, I ask for Your protection over the animals in my care. Shield them from the hunter, the predator, and the sickness. Let Your watchful eye be upon them in the fields and in the home. I thank You for their companionship and their spirit. I ask that You would provide for their needs and keep them safe under Your wing. May the harmony between man and beast be preserved in Your light. Protect all our kin, both human and animal, in Your mercy. Amen.
17. Prayer for Protection of the Sacred Waters
“Water is Life” (Mni Wiconi) is a central tenet of many Indigenous cultures. This prayer focuses on the “Shielding of the Springs,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the sources of water from pollution, drought, and corporate greed. The explanation highlights the spiritual purity of water, asking that it remain a “Medicine” for the people. We are petitioning for the protection of the “Life-Blood of the Earth.” It is a prayer for the “Holy Rain” and the “Clean Rivers,” ensuring that the basic necessity for life remains safe and abundant for all living things.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” — Psalm 23:1-2
prayer
Great Spirit, Giver of the Living Waters, I ask for Your protection over our springs and rivers. Shield the water we drink from the poison of greed and the dust of the drought. Let the rains fall in their season to refresh the earth and protect the life within the streams. I ask that you build a wall around our water sources, keeping them pure and free for all to use. We thank You for the medicine of the water; protect its life-giving power for the generations to come. Amen.
18. Prayer for Protection Against Legal Injustice
The legal system can sometimes be a tool of oppression rather than justice. This prayer focuses on “Judicial Protection,” asking the Great Spirit to act as the “Supreme Judge” in our affairs. The explanation centers on the “Eagle’s Eye for Truth,” asking that the Creator would expose lies and protect the innocent from false accusations or unfair rulings. We are asking for the “Shield of the Law,” ensuring that we are treated with equity and that our rights are preserved. It is a petition for divine intervention in the courtrooms of the world.
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” — Amos 5:24
prayer
O Great Spirit, Judge of all the Earth, I ask for Your protection in my legal matters. Shield me from the lies of the accuser and the bias of the unjust. Let Your truth be the light that exposes every hidden motive. I ask that You would guide the minds of the judges and the hearts of the witnesses. Be my Advocate and my Defense. I trust in Your higher law of justice to prevail over the schemes of men. Protect my rights and my freedom in the shadow of Your hand. Amen.
19. Prayer for Protection of Personal Integrity
Our greatest asset is our character, which can be under attack from temptation or social pressure. This prayer focuses on “Inner Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to protect our honor and our word. The explanation emphasizes the “Straight Arrow,” asking that we remain true to our values even when it is difficult. We are asking for protection against “the spirit of compromise” and the “shadow of hypocrisy.” It is a request for the “Fortress of the Soul,” ensuring that we do not sell our integrity for temporary gain or the approval of others.
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” — Proverbs 11:3
prayer
Great Spirit, Master of the Straight Path, I ask You to protect my integrity today. Shield my character from the temptations of the easy way and the pressure to conform to the world. Let my word be my bond and my actions reflect Your light. I ask for the strength of the mountain to stand for what is right. Protect me from the pride that blinds and the greed that corrupts. I am Your servant; keep my spirit pure and my feet on the path of honor. Amen.
20. Prayer for Protection Against Natural Disasters
The forces of nature—storms, fires, and floods—can be overwhelming. This prayer focuses on “Elemental Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to temper the winds and stay the waters. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Sacred Mountain,” asking the Creator to be our high ground in times of trouble. We are petitioning for protection against “The Shaking of the Earth” and the “Heat of the Flame.” It is a prayer for the “Hedge of the Elements,” asking that our homes and communities be spared from the destructive power of nature through the mercy of the Creator.
“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” — Psalm 107:29
prayer
O Great Spirit, Lord of the Winds and the Waves, I ask for Your protection against the storms. Shield our homes from the fire and our lives from the flood. When the earth shakes, let us find our footing in Your strength. I ask that You would speak “Peace” to the elements on our behalf. Be our Refuge in the storm and our Shelter in the heat. Protect the vulnerable and the animals from the power of the weather. We trust in Your hand to calm the world and keep us safe. Amen.
21. Prayer for Protection of the Creative Spirit
Creativity is a divine spark that can be quenched by criticism or self-doubt. This prayer focuses on “Inspirational Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to guard the artist, the writer, and the dreamer. The explanation centers on the “Bird of Inspiration,” asking that the creative flow remain open and protected from external blocks. We are petitioning for a shield against “The Spirit of Perfectionism” and the “Thief of Comparison.” It is a request for the “Anointing of the Creator,” ensuring that our creative work remains a pure reflection of the beauty we see in the Great Spirit’s world.
“He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer.” — Exodus 35:35
prayer
Great Spirit, Creator of all Beauty, I ask for Your protection over my creative spirit. Shield my vision from the voices of the critics and my hands from the paralysis of doubt. Let the well of my inspiration be protected from the dust of the world. I ask that my work would be a pure reflection of Your light. Protect my time and my energy so that I may create what You have placed in my heart. Let my art be a shield for others and a joy to Your name. Amen.
22. Prayer for the Protection of the Elders’ Wisdom
The elders are the “Living Libraries” of the tribe, and their wisdom is the foundation of our continuity. This prayer focuses on “Protecting the Knowledge,” asking the Great Spirit to shield the elders’ health and their memories. The explanation emphasizes the role of the “Ancient Ones” as the bridge between the past and the future. We are petitioning for protection against “The Spirit of Forgetfulness” and the “Neglect of the Youth.” It is a prayer for the “Honor of the Gray Hair,” ensuring that the wisdom of the elders is preserved and protected for the generations to follow.
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” — Proverbs 20:29
prayer
O Great Spirit, God of the Ages, I ask for Your protection over our elders. Shield their bodies from pain and their minds from the fog of time. Protect the stories and the songs they carry in their hearts. Let us, the younger generations, be a shield for them in their weakness. I ask that their wisdom be protected from being lost or ignored. May they dwell in honor and safety, knowing that they are the roots of our strength. Bless them with Your peace and Your presence. Amen.
23. Prayer for Protection Against Spiritual Fatigue
The walk of faith can be long and exhausting, leading to “Spirit-Weariness.” This prayer focuses on “Renewing the Shield,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the believer from burnout and cynicism. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Fresh Spring,” asking that the soul be constantly replenished. We are petitioning for protection against “The Spirit of Heaviness” and the “Slumber of the Soul.” It is a request for the “Oil of Joy,” ensuring that we remain vibrant and alert in our spiritual journey, shielded from the exhaustion that makes us vulnerable to the enemy.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
prayer
Great Spirit, Renewer of the Soul, I ask for Your protection against spiritual fatigue. Shield my spirit from the weight of the world’s sorrow and the exhaustion of the journey. Let Your light be a constant source of energy for my heart. I ask that You would protect my joy from being stolen by the cynicism of the age. Refresh me with Your living waters and keep my fire burning bright. Do not let me grow weary in well-doing, but shield my endurance with Your strength. I rest in You. Amen.
24. Prayer for Protection of the Sacred Breath
The breath is our direct connection to the Great Spirit (the Breath of Life). This prayer focuses on “Protecting the Pneuma,” asking the Creator to shield our respiratory health and our spiritual vitality. The explanation emphasizes the “Sacred Wind” that enters and leaves the body. We are petitioning for protection against “The Spirit of Suffocation”—physical asthma, pollution, or the spiritual feeling of being “smothered” by life’s circumstances. It is a prayer for “Open Air,” ensuring that we can breathe deeply of the Creator’s grace and remain physically and spiritually expansive.
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” — Job 33:4
prayer
O Great Spirit, Giver of the Sacred Breath, I ask for Your protection over my lungs and my spirit. Shield my breath from the toxins of the air and the heaviness of anxiety. Let Your wind flow through me, clearing out all that is stagnant or dark. I ask that my breath be a prayer of life in every moment. Protect me from the things that would choke my hope or stifle my vitality. I breathe in Your peace and breathe out Your praise, safe in Your life-giving air. Amen.
25. Prayer for Protection Against False Teachers
In the spiritual journey, there are many “False Paths” and “Coyote Spirits” that seek to deceive. This prayer focuses on “Protecting the Truth,” asking the Great Spirit for sharp discernment. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” asking that we see the true spirit behind the words of those who claim to speak for the Divine. We are petitioning for a shield against “Spiritual Deception” and “The Path of the Ego.” It is a request for the “Light of Discernment,” ensuring that we remain on the Straight Path of the Creator’s true wisdom.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1
prayer
Great Spirit, Master of Truth, I ask for Your protection against the spirits of deception. Shield my mind from the words of false teachers and the lure of the “Coyote” who seeks to lead me astray. Give me the discernment of the owl to see through the darkness of lies. Let Your Word be the only compass for my soul. Protect my faith from being twisted by the pride of men. I ask that You would keep me humble and alert, safe in the clarity of Your true light. Amen.
26. Prayer for the Protection of the Marriage/Union
The union between two people is a “Sacred Circle” that requires constant shielding. This prayer focuses on “Protecting the Bond,” asking the Great Spirit to shield the relationship from infidelity, bitterness, and external interference. The explanation emphasizes the “Two-Become-One” journey, asking that the Creator be the center of the lodge. We are petitioning for protection against “The Spirit of Comparison” and the “Dryness of Heart.” It is a prayer for the “Hedge of Loyalty,” ensuring that the love between partners remains a haven of trust and mutual respect in the Creator’s eyes.
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Mark 10:9
prayer
O Great Spirit, Giver of Love and Union, I ask for Your protection over my marriage. Shield our bond from the seeds of bitterness and the influence of those who would divide us. Let Your peace be the atmosphere of our home. I ask that You would protect our loyalty and our trust from the temptations of the world. Be the third cord in our union that cannot be easily broken. May our love reflect Your constancy, and our lodge be a place of safety and joy for both of us. Amen.
27. Prayer for Protection of the Physical Senses
Our senses—eyes, ears, touch—are the windows through which we experience the world and can also be the entry points for danger. This prayer focuses on “Sensory Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to guard what we see, hear, and feel. The explanation centers on the “Filter of the Spirit,” asking that we be protected from “The Violent Image” and “The Discordant Sound.” We are petitioning for the protection of our “Aura of Perception,” ensuring that our senses remain attuned to beauty and truth while being shielded from the traumatic influences of a fallen world.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” — Psalm 101:3
prayer
Great Spirit, Master of my Senses, I ask You to guard my eyes and my ears this day. Shield me from the images that bring darkness and the sounds that bring discord to my spirit. Let my touch be used for healing and my taste for gratitude. I ask that You would filter out the noise of the world so that I may hear Your still, small voice. Protect my perception from being warped by fear. Let all that I sense lead me closer to Your truth and keep me safe in Your beauty. Amen.
28. Prayer for the Protection of the Silent Prayer
The communication between the soul and the Creator is a sacred line that the enemy seeks to sever. This prayer focuses on “Protecting the Prayer-Line,” asking the Great Spirit to shield our quiet time from distraction and spiritual “noise.” The explanation involves the imagery of the “Smoke Rising Straight,” asking that our petitions reach the heavens without being scattered by the winds of doubt. We are petitioning for the protection of our “Secret Place” with God. It is a request for “Intercessory Safety,” ensuring that our spiritual communication remains an open and protected channel of grace.
“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” — Matthew 6:6
prayer
O Great Spirit, Hearer of the Secret Heart, I ask You to protect my time of prayer. Shield this sacred connection from the distractions of the world and the doubts of my own mind. Let my prayers rise to You like the smoke of the sacred cedar, straight and true. Protect the “inner room” of my soul where I meet with You. I ask that no shadow would come between my voice and Your ear. Keep this channel of grace open and protected, for it is the source of my life and my strength. Amen.
29. Prayer for the Protection of Future Generations
We are caretakers of the future, and our prayers must reach into the time we will not see. This prayer focuses on “Prophetic Shielding,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the children of our children. The explanation centers on the “Unborn Generations,” asking that the path be made safe for them before they arrive. We are petitioning for the protection of the “Seed,” ensuring that the culture, the faith, and the safety of the tribe are preserved. It is a prayer for “Temporal Protection,” asking the Creator to stand guard over the future as He has over the past.
“Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.” — Joel 1:3
prayer
Great Spirit, God of all Time, I ask for Your protection over the generations yet to come. Shield the unborn from the mistakes of the past and the dangers of the future. I ask that You would prepare a safe world for them to inherit. Protect their minds, their hearts, and their spiritual heritage. Let the light I carry today be a torch that guides them tomorrow. I place the future of my family and my people in Your hands, trusting that Your protection is eternal and Your mercy is without end. Amen.
30. Prayer for the Final Protection of the Spirit
Ultimately, we seek the protection of our eternal soul as we eventually cross from this life to the next. This prayer focuses on “The Great Transition,” asking the Great Spirit to protect the spirit in the final hour. The explanation involves the imagery of the “Starry Path,” asking for a safe passage into the arms of the Creator. We are petitioning for “Eternal Security,” asking that no shadow or doubt would harass the soul at the end of the journey. It is a request for the “Seal of the Great Spirit,” ensuring that we are safely gathered into the eternal camp of the saints.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39
prayer
O Great Spirit, Master of the Long Journey, I ask for Your final protection over my soul. When my breath leaves this body, be the Light that leads me home. Shield me from all fear as I cross the threshold. Let Your angels meet me and Your love be my bridge. I thank You for Your protection throughout my life, and I trust You for the journey into eternity. Keep my spirit safe in Your presence forever, where no harm can reach me, and no tear can fall. I am Yours, in life and in death. Amen.
Conclusion
Through the potent prism of Native American spirituality, seeking protection is a journey back to the core of God’s plan. A recurrent theme emerges as we examine these thirty prayers: protection is an active interaction with the Great Spirit rather than a passive condition. It necessitates a readiness to focus on the light, respect our relationships, and have faith in the elemental forces that the Creator has activated for our benefit. These prayers serve as a reminder that we are never really alone or helpless since the Great Spirit resides inside us, the mountain stands for us, and the eagle watches over us.
Keep in mind that a heart that resides in the “Secret Place of the Most High” is the most powerful shield as you apply these teachings to your everyday life.Intimacy with the Divine leads to protection. The “Shadow of the Almighty” becomes our natural surroundings as we live in harmony with the Great Spirit. Let these prayers become a way of life of trust and surrender rather than just words. The Sacred Circle of God’s protection continues to be an unwavering haven for everyone who calls upon His name in an increasingly uncertain world.
