Leaders should talk about their faith and learn how to pray together with other leaders, according to James A. Baker III. Mr. Baker, who served as secretary of state from 1989 to 1992, spoke recently in Houston at a leadership conference sponsored by the Diocese of Texas.

“Prayer shared among earnest people binds us into a cohesive society,” he said. “Inner security comes from faith and God, not wielding power.” Those in office should not hesitate to talk about their faith in the context of their leadership.

Admitting that the life of faith is not often practiced, Secretary Baker, who recently re-entered political life as co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, said Washington, D.C., presents hazards to spiritual life.

Power brought “responsibility, but not fulfillment,” he said. “I too am a man of weakness and keep trying, but I can’t do it alone.”

Mr. Baker mentioned his work on the Iraq Study Group, which released its report Dec. 6, noting that there is no magic formula “despite the expectations people might have of this group.

“Pray that the report helps the president and the Congress to find consensus and unify a divided country,” he said.

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