Many and Great (Dakota Hymn)

Many and great, O God, are thy works,
maker of earth and sky;
thy hands have set the heavens with stars;
thy fingers spread the mountains and plains.
Lo, at thy word the waters were formed;
deep seas obey thy voice.

Grant unto us communion with thee,
thou star-abiding one;
come unto us and dwell with us;
with thee are found the gifts of life.
Bless us with life that has no end,
eternal life with thee.

Wakantanka taku nitawa
tankaya qaota;
mahpiya kin eyehnake ca,
makakin he duowanca.
Mniowanca sbeya wanke cin,
hena ovakihi.

--Lacquiparle by Joseph r. Renville (1942) paraphrased by R. Phillip Frazier (1929). Alt. Hymnal 1982, Hymn 385, from Daily Prayer for All Seasons, published by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, 2014, p. 120.


Photo: The Milky Way above Monument Valley.