God, lead us to choose wisely . . .as we share this planet!





A Prayer for Leadership 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 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.