Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Study (Creator Ineffabilis)

Ineffable Creator, who out of the treasures of Thy wisdom hast appointed three hierarchies of Angels and set them in admirable order high above the heavens, and hast disposed the divers portions of the universe in such marvelous array: Thou who art called the true Fountain of light and wisdom, and the sovereign Principle lifted high above all things, vouchsafe to shed a ray of Thy brightness upon the darkness of my understanding, taking from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of both sin and ignorance. Give me a keen 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, and help in the completion; through Christ our Lord. Amen.