"The Christian Scholar's Prayer"

by Brian G. Daigle

Our Father in Christ, 
In listening, make my countenance soft and my reception shrewd.
              Fix my attention upon the speaker that they may catch a glimpse of how You attend to both our prayers and ramblings.
              Teach me to affirm what is right and graciously deny what is false.
              May the light of friendship be seen wherever dialogue is found.
              And cause me to seek to understand before being understood. 

In reading, make my soul and surroundings the solitude I need for broad comprehension and deep contemplation.
              Fix in me wisdom when selecting readings, knowing my time on earth is short.
              Teach me steadfast diligence in completion, or peace to put a book aside.
              May the light of my reactions be as if the writer were there with me, incarnate.
              And cause me to make holy applications according to your Scriptures, Oh Lord.  

In writing, make my hands conform both craft and content to your goodness.
              Fix my arguments in both soundness and relevance.
              Teach me metaphors most effective. 
              May the light of our creatureliness be seen in our own creations.
              And cause in me a greater trust of your Spirit’s work over my own eloquence

In thinking, make my contemplation worthwhile. 
              Fix my thoughts within earthly bounds, where you have placed us.
              Teach me hope, that the lies of the evil one would not take root.
              May the light of prudence and purity abound.
              And cause in me a love of stillness, that I would know You are God. 
             
In speaking, make my being know the weightiness of the tongue, as fire, sword and healing agent.  
              Fix my words with great care for the listener. 
              Teach me when to speak and especially when not to speak.
              May the light of wisdom and redemption flow forth to the hearers. 
              And cause in me a Christian’s mouth, that the world would know you are the Logos.   

When interruptions come, however large or small, commit to my being a joyful trust and patience, not in my own strivings, but in Yours.  

And in all these, make my heart, soul, mind, and strength wholly submit to the guiding of your Holy Spirit, who has proceeded from the Father and the Son to till the entirety of the saint; that your bride, the church, would be presented to You clean and unblemished according to your holiness, Oh Lord. Amen.