Prayer for October 17: Please pray with me.  God who governs the nations, we lift up leaders of nations.  We lift up leaders of religious institutions as well.  Give them wisdom.  Give them the courage to follow your ways Lord.  Give them hearts and minds that are oriented towards mercy, forgiveness, and peace.  Let these leaders be examples of what it means to follow you.  Let them see and hear what it means to follow you from the people they represent and govern and lead.  Amen.