Voters' prayer

Re-posting this prayer I initially put up here in my blog before the May 2007 elections. It's the same democratic exercise with many familiar candidates running for the same posts. However, I believe the stakes are even higher in this elections, given the fact that we are attempting full automation nationwide amidst the cacophony of politicking using new media. Now more than ever, we need to get our act together as a nation, choose wisely and guard our votes well beyond the election season. But we cannot do it through our own strength alone-




LORD, make me an instrument of your presence in the Polls.

Where there is coercion and violence,

Let me sow seeds of love;

Where there is bribery and vote buying,

Let me sow seeds of integrity;

Where there is discord,

Let me sow seeds of unity;

Where there is electoral fraud,

Let me sow seeds of honesty;

Where there is duplicity and propaganda,

Let me sow seeds of truth;

Where there is indifference,

Let me sow seeds of care and concern;

And, where there is despair in the electoral process,

Let me sow seeds of hope.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much

Think of my selfish motives when I vote.

Instill in me a deep sense of communal solidarity in my critical choice of candidates who would rise above the traditional politics of PAY-OFF, PERSONALITY and PATRONAGE.

Enlighten me to elect worthy men and women who embody the true spirit of public service in their moral consciousness.

For it is voting responsibly that we receive

the fruits of true democracy.

And it is in dying as a seed to our selfishness

that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

(Adapted from The Prayer of Saint Francis. Lifted from http://kpkcommongood.blogspot.com)