It's a common perception that trained theologians are prideful and conceited. In many cases this is an exaggeration, but often the reputation is well earned. Additionally, academic study is considered separate from prayer and devotional life.
Recently, in my Aquinas class, our professor shared with us the a prayer attributed to Thomas Aquinas. He encouraged all of us to read it before study. Such a prayer both helps check the pride of the academic, as well as remind us that knowledge is a gift from God.
Ineffable Creator, from the treasures of your wisdom, you have established three hierarchies of angels, you have arrayed them in marvelous order above the fiery heaves, and you have marshaled the regions of the universe with such artful skill.
You are proclaimed the true font of light and wisdom, and the true origin raised high beyond all things.
Pour forth a ray of your brightness into the darkened places of my mind; disperse from my soul the twofold darkness into which I was born: sin and ignorance.
You make eloquent the tongues of infants. Refine my speech and pour forth upon my lips the goodness of your blessing.
Grant to me keenness of mind,
Capacity of remembering,
Skill in learning,
Subtlety in interpreting,
and Eloquence in speaking.
May you guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to completion.
You are true God and true Man, and you live and reign, world without end. Amen.
