Creator of all things,
true Source of light and wisdom,
lofty origin of all being,
graciously let a ray of Your brilliance
penetrate into the darkness of my understanding
and take from me the double darkness
in which I have been born,
an obscurity of both sin and ignorance.
Give me a sharp sense of understanding,
a retentive memory,
and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.
Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations,
and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.
Point out the beginning,
direct the progress,
and help in completion;
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The “Prayer Before Study” is traditionally attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century friar, renowned for bringing together faith and reason.
The prayer asks God for sharpness of understanding, retentive memory, and the grace to learn and teach well. It is widely used as a prayer before study, expressing dependence on divine illumination.
Prayer is not preparation for the work; it is the work. Prayer is not the last resort of the church; it is the first.