Prayer

Help with My Studies

O Lord, who is the fountain 
of all wisdom and learning, 
you have given me the years 
of my youth to learn 
the arts and skills necessary 
for an honest and holy life. 
Enlighten my mind, 
that I may acquire knowledge. 
Strengthen my memory 
that I may retain what 
I have learnt. 
Govern my heart, 
that I may always 
be eager and diligent in my studies. 
And let your Spirit of truth, 
judgment and prudence 
guide my understanding, 
that I may perceive how everything 
I learn fits into your holy plan 
for the world.

—John Calvin, French Reformer (1509-1564)

A Desire for True Knowledge

Good Lord, 
you have refreshed our souls 
with the streams of knowledge; 
lead us at last to yourself, 
the source and spring of knowledge.

—Alcuin of York early Christian scholar (735-804)