Bev Doolittle prayer for the wild things: Her art whispers reverence for nature, and these words echo that quiet awe. You might have seen her paintings—those hidden faces in the rocks, the horses blending into snow. But there’s a deeper layer, a written piece that captures the soul of her work. This article walks you through the meaning, the context, and how to connect with that prayer yourself.
The prayer isn’t just a poem. It’s a mindset. It’s about seeing the wild as sacred, not as something to tame. Let’s break it down piece by piece.
The Origin Of Bev Doolittle’s Prayer
Bev Doolittle is an American artist known for her “camouflage” style. Her paintings hide animals in landscapes. You have to look closely to find the elk, the wolf, the bear. The prayer for the wild things came later, as a written companion to her visual work.
It first appeared in a limited-edition print series. The text was printed alongside her artwork, often in calligraphy. People connected with it instantly. It felt like a benediction for the natural world.
The prayer is short. But it carries weight. It asks for protection, for respect, for a kind of sacred distance between humans and animals.
Why The Prayer Resonates
You might wonder why a simple prayer gets so much attention. The answer is timing. We live in a world where nature is under pressure. Climate change, habitat loss, extinction. The prayer offers a moment of stillness. It reminds you that wild things have their own right to exist.
It also speaks to a spiritual longing. Not everyone goes to church. But many people feel something holy in a forest or a mountain. The prayer gives words to that feeling.
Bev Doolittle Prayer For The Wild Things
Here is the full text of the prayer as it is most commonly shared. Read it slowly. Let the words sink in.
Prayer for the Wild Things
Let them live.
Let them roam.
Let them be.
Let them have their own places.
Let them have their own ways.
Let them be wild.
Let them be free.
Let them be.
That’s it. Eight lines. Simple, direct, powerful. Each line is a plea. Each line is a statement of value.
Breaking Down Each Line
Let’s look at what each line really means. This helps you understand the depth behind the simplicity.
- “Let them live.” This is the most basic request. Don’t kill them. Don’t destroy their habitats. Just let them exist.
- “Let them roam.” Animals need space. Migration routes, territories, corridors. This line asks for room to move.
- “Let them be.” This repeats twice in the prayer. It’s a call for non-interference. Let animals be animals, not entertainment or resources.
- “Let them have their own places.” Wild places are not ours to take. This line respects boundaries.
- “Let them have their own ways.” Animals have cultures, instincts, behaviors. Don’t force them to adapt to human schedules.
- “Let them be wild.” Wildness is not a problem to fix. It’s a gift to honor.
- “Let them be free.” Freedom from cages, from captivity, from human control.
Each line builds on the last. Together, they form a complete vision of coexistence.
How To Use The Prayer In Daily Life
You don’t have to be an artist or a poet to use this prayer. It’s practical. Here are ways to bring it into your routine.
Morning Reflection
Read the prayer aloud each morning. Let it set your intention for the day. It takes 30 seconds. But it changes how you see the world.
- Find a quiet spot.
- Take three deep breaths.
- Read the prayer slowly.
- Think of one wild thing you can protect today.
Before A Nature Walk
Say the prayer before you step outside. It shifts your focus from distraction to attention. You start looking for the hidden animals. You notice the tracks, the feathers, the nests.
As A Conservation Pledge
Use the prayer as a personal commitment. Write it down. Sign it. Keep it in your wallet or on your phone. When you make decisions about consumption, travel, or donations, ask yourself: does this honor the prayer?
The Connection Between Art And Prayer
Bev Doolittle’s art and her prayer are two sides of the same coin. Her paintings show you the wild. The prayer tells you how to treat it.
Hidden Animals In Her Paintings
Her most famous works include “The Forest Has Eyes” and “The Medicine Wheel.” In these, animals are camouflaged. You see a rock, but it’s actually a bear. You see snow, but it’s a wolf. This technique forces you to look longer. You can’t rush through a Doolittle painting.
The prayer does the same thing. It slows you down. It makes you consider each word. Both the art and the prayer demand patience.
Why Camouflage Matters
Camouflage is not just a trick. It’s a lesson. Animals are often invisible to us. We walk through forests and see nothing. But they are there. The prayer asks you to acknowledge that hidden presence. To respect it. To not disturb it.
Common Misconceptions About The Prayer
Some people think the prayer is a Native American blessing. It is not. Bev Doolittle wrote it herself. She was inspired by her own experiences in nature, not by any specific tradition.
Others think it’s a Christian prayer. It’s not tied to any religion. It’s universal. Anyone can use it, regardless of faith.
A third misconception is that the prayer is only for artists. Not true. It’s for hikers, gardeners, parents, teachers, anyone who cares about the planet.
Correcting The Record
If you see the prayer shared online without credit, know that it comes from Bev Doolittle. She deserves recognition. Her work has inspired millions to see nature differently.
Practical Steps To Honor The Prayer
Knowing the prayer is one thing. Living it is another. Here are concrete actions you can take.
Reduce Your Footprint
- Use less plastic. Animals eat it and die.
- Drive less. Roads fragment habitats.
- Buy less. Consumerism takes from wild places.
Support Conservation
- Donate to wildlife reserves.
- Volunteer for habitat restoration.
- Vote for leaders who protect nature.
Teach Children
- Read the prayer to kids.
- Take them outside without screens.
- Show them how to watch animals without disturbing them.
Create Your Own Prayer
You can write a version that fits your life. Keep it simple. Use short lines. Focus on what matters to you. Maybe it’s about birds. Maybe it’s about the ocean. The form is flexible.
The Deeper Philosophy Behind The Words
The prayer is not just about animals. It’s about power. Who gets to decide if a species lives or dies? Humans have taken that role. The prayer questions that authority.
It’s also about humility. We are not the center of the universe. The prayer reminds you that other beings have their own purposes. Their own joys. Their own struggles.
Letting Go Of Control
Modern life is about control. We control our homes, our schedules, our bodies. But nature resists control. The prayer asks you to surrender that need. Let the wild be wild. You don’t have to manage everything.
How The Prayer Has Spread
The prayer started in art galleries. Now it’s on social media, in yoga studios, on conservation websites. It has been translated into multiple languages. People recite it at protests, at weddings, at funerals.
It’s become a kind of mantra. A simple way to reconnect with what matters.
Why It Spreads Without Advertising
There is no marketing campaign behind this prayer. It spreads because it works. People share it because it gives them words for a feeling they couldn’t express. That organic growth is rare and powerful.
Criticisms And Counterpoints
Some critics say the prayer is too simple. It doesn’t address complex issues like sustainable hunting or indigenous land rights. They argue that “let them be” is naive in a world where humans have already changed everything.
That’s a fair point. But the prayer is not a policy document. It’s a starting point. It opens the door to deeper conversations. You can use it as a foundation, then build from there.
Balancing Idealism And Realism
You don’t have to choose between them. You can hold the prayer as an ideal while also making practical compromises. The prayer is a compass, not a map. It points you in the right direction, but you still have to walk the path.
Personal Stories Of The Prayer’s Impact
People have shared how the prayer changed them. One woman said she stopped using pesticides after reading it. A teacher said she now takes her class outside every Friday. A hunter said he now only takes what he needs and leaves the rest.
These stories show that the prayer is not passive. It leads to action. Small actions, but real ones.
Your Own Story
You can create your own story. Start by reading the prayer daily. Notice what changes. Maybe you start walking more. Maybe you plant native flowers. Maybe you just feel more at peace. That counts too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Exact Wording Of Bev Doolittle’s Prayer For The Wild Things?
The prayer is: “Let them live. Let them roam. Let them be. Let them have their own places. Let them have their own ways. Let them be wild. Let them be free. Let them be.” Some versions add “Amen” at the end, but the original does not include it.
Is The Bev Doolittle Prayer For The Wild Things A Real Native American Prayer?
No. It was written by Bev Doolittle herself, an American artist. It is not part of any indigenous tradition, though it resonates with many indigenous values about respect for nature.
Can I Use The Bev Doolittle Prayer For The Wild Things In My Own Work?
Yes, as long as you credit Bev Doolittle. The prayer is widely shared and used in conservation materials, art prints, and personal reflections. Just give proper attribution.
Where Can I Find Bev Doolittle’s Original Art That Includes The Prayer?
The prayer appears in limited-edition prints and some of her published collections. You can find them through art galleries, online marketplaces, and Bev Doolittle’s official website. Check for authorized sellers to ensure authenticity.
How Does The Bev Doolittle Prayer For The Wild Things Relate To Her Painting Style?
Her paintings often hide animals in landscapes, forcing you to look closely. The prayer asks you to respect that hidden wildness. Both the art and the prayer emphasize patience, observation, and reverence for nature’s secrets.
Final Thoughts On Living The Prayer
The Bev Doolittle prayer for the wild things is not a magic spell. It’s a reminder. A reminder that you are part of a larger web. A reminder that other beings deserve space and freedom. A reminder that wildness is not something to fear, but something to honor.
You can start today. Read the prayer. Go outside. Look for the hidden animals. Let them be. That’s all it takes. The rest will follow.
Nature does not need your permission to exist. But it does need your respect. The prayer is a way to give that respect. A way to say: I see you. I honor you. I will not take more than I need.
In a world that demands constant action, the prayer asks you to pause. To be still. To let the wild things live their own lives. That is a radical act. And it starts with eight simple lines.
Keep the prayer close. Share it with others. Let it shape your choices. The wild things are counting on you. Not to save them all, but to remember them. To remember that they matter. That they have a right to be here, just as much as you do.
That is the heart of Bev Doolittle’s message. That is the prayer for the wild things.