With the royal funeral, we may have almost forgotten that we have a new Prime Minister.

Here are some thoughts from the late Sister Joan Chittister OSB, written probably before a US presidential election, but relevant for us now too…

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 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 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. 

~ Sister Joan Chittister OSB