Prayer for Leadership this Election Season by Sister Joan Chittister

Prayer for leadership this election season

Give us, O Holy One, leaders whose hearts are large enough to match the breath of our 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 own 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 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 leaders who can tell strength from powers, growth from greed, leadership from dominance, and real greatness from the trappings of grandiosity.

We trust you, O Holy One, 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 others of this planet.

We beg you, O Holy One, 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 with minds open to your word and hearts that trust in your eternal care.

Amen!

Joan Chittister, OSB