A Prayer of Thomas Aquinas

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,

sin and ignorance, in which I have been born.

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, help in the completion,
through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.