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Prayer Before Intellectual Work

Saint Thomas Aquinas praying before starting his intellectual labor.
[Source]

Ineffable Holy Spirit,
You are the only source of intelligence, science and wisdom.
Illuminate my reason with the splendor of Your Truth
and kindle my heart with the fire of Your Love.
Grant me, I beseech Thee:
Patience and perseverance, to carry my Cross;
Purity, to harness my passions;
Studiousness, to avoid neglect and vain curiosity;
Tenacity, to drill into the problem with questions;
Perspicacity, to discover the cause;
Humility, to correct my errors;
Logic, to set in order;
Memory, to remember;
Suavity, to express myself.
Despite my nothingness, may this intellectual work
be of some use for Your glory and the good of souls.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
In nómine Patris, et Fílii, et Spíritus Sancti. Amen.

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