The Southeast Indigenous Prayer Circle is a group of Native American descendants and followers.

They started 15 years ago in Saluda but moved to Red Bank years ago.

Most of them represent Cherokee, Chicsaw, Creek, Choctaw and other tribes.

Native Americans believe that “the Creator” (God) blesses them in many ways so they thank him in prayer ever day for every gift or blessing.

Since 2011, the group has traveled the state to share God with others using native American traditions and ceremonies. All in the group are Christian, as are many Cherokee.

They believe in the Bible and quote from it frequently.

It is part of many of their ceremonies.

A naming ceremony held Nov. 9 was for the granddaughter of a member.

The ceremony began with the Lord’s prayer, followed by Michael “Ironhorse” Matthews speaking about the prayer circle’s history. Then, he and Boyd “Singing Wolf” Steele gave out certificates of recognition to some members including Dean Hunt, a Lexington archeologist and historian and Leo Redmond, former director of the Cayce Museum.

The naming ceremony was for Sara Jane Hollis, granddaughter of Roy “Path-walker” Vandergrift.

Her mother, Rachel Hollis, held her as Ironhorse and Singing Wolf used ceremonial feathers to bless and pray for Jane before giving her an Indian name, “Little Walela” – Hummingbird in Cherokee.

Her mom told us that Jane spends a lot of time watching their hummingbird feeders for the birds.

Jane was given her first Christian Bible.

Before the group dispersed, they recognized and prayed over 4 veterans, including me.

It was an uplifting and spiritual experience.