Dear Lord, You who have accorded me power over people because there’s no power except from you, bless me so as not to flout it. Teach me that power is service, and that the presidency is love; shield my heart from oppressive ambition, the sin of pride and greed. Instruct my heart to be content, my mind to rule justly, and my tongue clear of slander. Remind me that I am your tool on earth, and that your bounty is granted to those you have entrusted on me, and that the salvation of our nation depends on my decisions, even the small ones.

If I were to object, teach me to do so politely; if I were to rule, teach me to invest in the word of truth; If I were to compete, fight with honor. Oh Lord, be a guard to my mouth and a watchman at the gates of my lips. Deliver me from the traps of defamation, remind me that my dignity derives from that of others, and let me treat others as I want to be treated.

The sound of people reaches my ears days and night. One comes to me in need of service, another to bemoan his plight. Oh Lord, open my ears to the suffering of people so that I can heal them with my hands and mend their wounds with the ointment of my smiles. If I were unable to help, teach me how to just listen; listening shows dignity towards their humble entreaties.

Oh lord, never let me forget that I am from the People and to the People I shall return.

And when my hour strikes, Lord, help me leave in peace and with a clean conscience, bestowing your teaching onto others and leaving a reminiscent scent.

I hope to be standing by your altar on Judgment Day, proud of my good deeds, my noble fights and of the accords that I had contributed to.

O Lord, master of the universe, Thy will be done and not mine.

Amen

A text originally written in Arabic by A. Milad al-Jaouich