Three Prayers of Saint Thomas Aquinas Before Study

Inexpressible Creator, who from the treasures of thy wisdom hast appointed three hierarchies of angels, and set them in wondrous order over the highest heavens, arranging all the elements of the world in admirable harmony, thou who art called the true fount of light and wisdom, the First Principle, deign to shed upon the darkness of my understanding a ray of thy own light, dispelling the twofold darkness of sin and ignorance in which I was born. Thou who canst make babes eloquent, school my tongue, and pour into my lips the grace of thy benediction. Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, insight in expounding, and fluent grace of speech. Direct my beginning, guide my continuance, and set thy seal upon the completion: thou who art true God and Man, living and reigning for ever and ever. Amen.

Thy pleasure, merciful God! Grant that I may ardently desire it, carefully seek to learn it, truly recognize it, and perfectly fulfil it, to the praise and glory of thy name.

Lord my God, bestow upon me an understanding that knows thee, diligence in seeking thee, wisdom in finding thee, a way of life that is pleasing to thee, perseverance that waits trustfully for thee, and confidence that I shall embrace thee at the last.

― taken from The Manual of Catholic Prayer: For All Days and Seasons and Every Circumstance of Christian Life