Perspective

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be his glorious Name forever; may his glory fill the whole earth. Amen and Amen.

✛ Ps 72:18-19

✛

The 72nd Psalm extols the king nearly from beginning to end. I say nearly, because at the very end, we read words that put the king's glory into perspective. No matter how great the earthly ruler, God alone is the worker of wonders, and is the source of any greatness to which humans might aspire. The psalmist, therefore, "with good reason prays that the glory of the divine Name may fill the whole earth, since that kingdom was to be extended even to the uttermost boundaries of the globe, and that all the godly, with earnest and ardent affection of heart, may unite with him in the same prayers, there is added a confirmation in the words, Amen, and Amen."

So I will pray not only for myself, that I may see in God the source of all glory, but I will pray that my country will one day have a leader who acknowledges the sovereignty of God over her or his life, as well as over the life of the nation.

✛

Thank you, Lord, for wise rulers. But forgive me when I glorify them, and not the Source of their wisdom. And forgive me, too, for despairing when rulers are selfish or unworthy; for you are greater than their schemes, and your will will be done. Bring me, my country, and all peoples through to the end, when you are all in all, and peace reigns throughout the earth; in the Name of the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the Prince of peace, even Jesus Christ my Lord, who taught me to pray: Our Father...