There is a feeling among people around the world that you possess the intellect and temperament necessary to be a great, indeed, a transformative president. I know that many in my own denomination, The United Methodist Church, pray for your success, particularly after eight long years of failed leadership from two of our own.

The world desperately requires visionary and collaborative leadership from the United States. Of course, you will not possibly be able to please everyone. Even among your advisers there are those who will urge caution from you so that you operate only in the limited range of conventional wisdom. Please do not always heed them.

There are those who will insist you make use of your military forces to prove your willingness to shed blood on behalf of the real or perceived interests of the United States. Do not succumb to the temptation.

Generosity, love, healing, friendship, and trust must be the guideposts for your administration. Care for the impoverished among us and for the Creation is the only way we can all move forward as a world community.

Seven years ago, in the wake of 9/11, the world rallied to the United States. Those good wishes were squandered.

Yet again, the world desires to work alongside, not for, the United States as collectively we face environmental degradation, pandemic poverty, and a world awash in weapons. Those three crises, William Sloane Coffin pointed out, are the real axis of evil.

I encourage you to meet regularly, perhaps quarterly, with religious leaders because they can help keep you connected to fundamental spiritual values and they are not seeking special favor or legislation for their faith group (if any of them do so, I recommend you cease inviting them to serve as advisors to you, for they have become lobbyists).

Please consider making use of a wide array of religious leaders rather than a small group. There are many capable people who represent the vast array of American religion. Those who make use of the privilege of meeting with you to promote themselves should not be invited to continue.

You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you carry out your work. We do not have time to waste.

Jim Winkler is the general secretary (chief executive) of the international public policy and social justice agency of The United Methodist Church.