A prayer by St Benedict

Bestow upon me, O Gracious Holy Father:

Intellect to understand you,

Perceptions to perceive you purely,

Reason to discern you,

Diligence to seek you,

Wisdom to find you,

A spirit to know you.

                                                    A heart to meditate upon you,                                      
          Ears to hear you,

Eyes to behold you,

A tongue to proclaim you,

A conversation pleasing to you,

Patience to wait for you,

And perseverance to look for you.

Grant me a perfect end - your Holy Presence.

Grant me a blessed resurrection, and your recompense, everlasting life. Amen.