Creator of all things,

true source of light and wisdom,

origin of all being,

graciously let a ray of your light penetrate 

the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness 

in which I have been born,

an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding,

a retentive memory, and the ability

to grasp things correctly and funamentally.

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 the completion.

I ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

St Thomas Aquinas