Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Study

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the Dominican theologian and Doctor of the Church, is patron of students, schools, and universities. He is said to have prayed this prayer, known from its Latin opening as Creator ineffabilis, before he studied, wrote, or preached. It asks God to lift the double darkness of sin and ignorance and to give the gifts every learner needs: sharp understanding, a good memory, method, and clear expression.

Students often pray it before homework, lectures, and exams, and it serves just as well for teachers, writers, and anyone learning a new skill. His feast is January 28. The English translation below was made for this site from the traditional Latin text.

The Prayer

Ineffable Creator, who from the treasures of Thy wisdom didst appoint three hierarchies of angels and set them in wondrous order above the heavens, and who didst arrange the parts of the universe with such beauty: Thou who art called the true fountain of light and wisdom and the supreme source of all things, graciously pour upon the darkness of my understanding a ray of Thy brightness, and remove from me the double darkness in which I was born, namely sin and ignorance. Thou who makest eloquent the tongues of little children, instruct my tongue and pour upon my lips the grace of Thy blessing. Grant me sharpness to understand, capacity to retain, method and ease in learning, subtlety in interpreting, and abundant grace in speaking. Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to completion. Through Thee, who art true God and true Man, who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

Sources: Creator ineffabilis, attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas (13th century); Latin text public domain; English translation original to Daily Catholic Prayers.

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