It's ironic that our forefathers wrote separation of church and state into our Constitution, because the Mayflower Compact [1], the very first agreement among settlers arriving in 1620, mentioned religion once and God three times in a document shorter than this blog. Their quest, they wrote, was for "the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and the honour of our king and country." Their intention was that the covenants they signed regarding tolerance and liberty would be honored between God and man, and among one another.

Throughout the intervening centuries, our presidents have continued to mention God in various contexts, most recently adding a habitual "God bless America" tagline to their speeches. I view those three words as a request, so why do they sound so much like a slogan? They're almost glibly tossed off, seeming to imply a reliance on God that sometimes feel disingenuous.

The U.S. is a great country, but there have been too many instances in which the demands of a church or a corporation or perhaps simple greed or a kind of ignorance have seemed to take precedence over the common good. The covenants of the Mayflower Compact and the Constitution have not always been honored.

Yet somehow this week's election felt guided by spirit. So many of us have been troubled by our lack of genuine leadership and knew we needed a change. Barack Obama is not a perfect person, human as he is, and undoubtedly he will reveal flaws in his new role, but he's the most hopeful sign for this country that we've seen in decades.

Throughout our long election season, I've repeatedly turned to a tool I've used successfully for years. I won't argue that it's been more effective than money in the course of this campaign, but I do know for certain that it works. I've consistently visualized a scene I was thrilled to see enacted this week: Obama making his acceptance speech.

As our next president's real work begins, I'll continue to support him in the enormous challenges he will be facing. If you believe that energy follows thought, I hope you'll join me in visualizing a protective white light around him. Again, it may not be as effective as a team of personal bodyguards, but I'm visualizing Obama safe and protected, healthy and clearheaded, and making the best possible decisions for those who have put their trust in him. I might even say "God bless our next president."