THE NEWS lately has been full of people's efforts to gain democracy and freedom either through active government reforms or by bringing down totalitarian regimes through the rise of "people power." This term is generally used for nonviolent democratic movements to achieve social and political reforms, to assert their freedom and their right to dignified living.

I have vivid memories of how "people power" brought down the Berlin Wall in 1989, but more recent events show the continuing power of people to change the course of events. In 2005 the so-called "orange revolution" brought unexpected protests and demonstrations for democracy in Ukraine, which with another election in February 2010, showed how stable and democratic the country has already become. People power won.

Last summer the quest for democracy in Iran sparked what has since been called Iran's "Green Revolution." It has been supressed by arrests and violence, yet during the celebration of the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian revolution earlier this year, the tiny flames were still evident despite the overwhelming security meant to stifle them. These small flames need more air.

Here prayer comes flying in: It brings air and freedom to any good effort on the planet. In fact, from a spiritual perspective, there is never a wasted effort, since every attempt to do good has its source in God, divine Mind.

From the standpoint of Christian Science we all are children of one immensely wonderful divine Principle, Love. Each one of us has inalienable rights that come from trust in the spiritual destiny, safety, and freedom Principle gives us. Our prayers can help fan hope for freedom, even if it begins as only a spark in overwhelming darkness. These words from Mary Baker Eddy's book Science and Health can inspire our prayers: "Truth brings the elements of liberty. On its banner is the Soul-inspired motto, 'Slavery is abolished.' The power of God brings deliverance to the captive. No power can withstand divine Love" (p. 224).

To me, prayer to support "people power" includes two aspects in particular: the support of true individuality and the spiritual basis of leadership.

In order to understand that no force can ever overpower God, Love, a clear distinction between individuality and personality is important. True individuality is spiritual, and it speaks for our dignity and worth. Individuality shows us who we really are, as divine ideas: honest, merciful, loving, strong, intelligent, unselfish, good.

By contrast, humanity with its narrow sense of personality, to which are attached all kinds of limiting characteristics such as ethnic background, age, gender, culture, despotic traits, slothful tendencies, and a material outlook is not the reflection of Spirit but a "deflection." When these conditions are present, progress may slow down or even stop. So if we act according to our true identity as God's children and overcome reliance on material personalities (our own or others'), we'll find genuine freedom and spiritual progress.

It's also important to understand true leadership, which is spiritually empowered, not materially defined. It is truly effective when it is grounded in selfless service. To the degree that we see God as the true leader of our lives, we find that true leadership doesn't mean doing our "will," but following God's guidance and doing His will. As the Psalmist put it: "Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies" (Ps. 27:11).

Leading is action based on spiritual discernment; it is not impressing others but expressing the Christ only. It means to listen to the "still, small voice" of good even in the face of overwhelming odds. It means to act according to your highest sense of good, even if means doing something that has never been tried before.

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have for releasing the potential for fearless good and strengthening leadership qualities in ourselves and others. Prayer is unselfish, impersonal, nonpartisan, and spiritual. It enables us to listen quietly for what's right. This may well lead in directions that are different from what government officials, political parties, tribal leaders, family clans, or rival gangs suggest.

Let's test how far we can carry this kind of prayer. Do we dare to let it expand our view of the world and let it help us discover that freedom is natural and accessible to anyone? How deep is our love? How willing are we to follow good's lead?

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