David Marcus (z"l)

The STC President's Prayer

To be recited every day on rising, before committee meetings or when replying to society mail  

Lord,  

i am just a humble man
a servant of this great society 
trying to do some good
as honestly and openly as I can.  

give me the strength to relate to people as people
the wisdom to see beyond today's anger
to understand needs, feelings and private agendas
to redirect venom to useful creativity
and channel energies to good 
away from destructive evil.   

grant me the serenity to work in peace
the power to change the things I can 
the fortitude to accept the things I cannot
and the wisdom to know the difference between the two.  

all these things I ask
not for my own pride
but simply because sometimes I question
why I am here
and think
that this office is a punishment  
and not a reward.