A Prayer for Leadership

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 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.

Sister Joan Chittister

Vision and Viewpoint