by Joan Chittister, OSB
Give us, O God, leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.
In seeking a leader,
let us seek more than development for ourselves--
though development we hope for--
more than security for our own land--
though security we need--
more than satisfaction for our wants--
though many things we desire.
Give us the hearts to choose the leader
who will work with other leaders
to bring safety to the whole world.
Give us leaders who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.
Give us a government that provides
for the advancement of this country
without taking resources from others to achieve it.
Give us insight enough ourselves
to choose as leaders those who can tell
strength from power, growth from greed,
leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings of grandiosity.
We trust you, Great God, to open our hearts to learn from
those to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words of those to whom you
have entrusted the good of other parts of this globe.
We beg you, Great God, give us the vision as a people
to know where global leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
to require it to protect human rights for everyone everywhere.
We ask these things, Great God, with minds open to your word, and hearts that trust in your eternal care. Amen.
