“We must keep that same humility… all our great leaders understood is at the core of true leadership”

President Obama delivered a contemplative call for humility, driven by faith and abiding respect for those who disagree, at a national prayer gathering Thursday morning in Washington. …

“While God may reveal his plan to us in portions, the expanse of his plan is for God and God alone to understand,” Mr. Obama said.

Americans’ task as citizens, Mr. Obama said, “is to spend our days with open hearts and open minds, to seek out the truth that exists in an opposing view, and find the common ground that exist for us to take meaningful action.” …

Referring briefly to debates over taxes and debt “less pronounced” than those faced by Lincoln and King, Mr. Obama said, “We must keep that same humility that Dr. King and Lincoln and Washington and all our great leaders understood is at the core of true leadership.”