God, grant us sensitivity without cynicism, righteous indignation devoid of bitterness, the wisdom of the serpent without its craftiness, the gentleness of the dove without its naivete. Then, Lord, help us to direct all of this passion that we feel into meaningful action, we pray. Amen.
— William Donnel Watley in Conversations with God: Two Centuries of Prayers by African Americans by James Melvin Washington