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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 of 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 dominancy,

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.

     

            —from A Prayer for Leadership(link is external) (Benetvision), by Joan Chittister