The great medieval scholar Thomas Aquinas wrote a noteworthy prayer for use when sitting down to study. Since both the original Latin and the classic English translation are now a bit dated, here's a fresh paraphrase I wrote recently.

O Maker, who is beyond words — I join with others in saying you are the source of light and wisdom. You are the deepest origin, greater than everything in the universe, everything you've made.

Shine a beam of your light into the darkened places of my mind. Shine in and light me up inside, scattering the two kinds of darkness I'm born into: rebellion against you and ignorance of your world.

You are the one who gives babies the ability to learn and to start talking, and that's what I ask for more of: the ability to keep learning and the ability to express myself. You alone can do this.

Please give me a sharp mind, the ability to remember, skill in learning, sensitivity to interpret what I read, and fluency when I talk.

I want you to guide the beginning of my work, direct it as I go along, and bring it to completion.

Thank you for understanding the challenges I face, for looking out for me in the midst of them, and for being great enough to overcome them. You are my Lord. Amen.

See the older English translation at InterVarsity's Graduate & Faculty Ministries website.

first published Nov 16, 2005