Gracious and Holy Father,
Please give me:
intellect to understand you,
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 to see you,
a tongue to proclaim you,
a way of life pleasing to you,
patience to wait for you
and perseverance to look for you.
Grant me a perfect end,
your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection
and life everlasting.
The timeline of The Spirit to Know You – St. Benedict of Nursia, ca
The Spirit to Know You is a Catholic prayer attributed to St. Benedict of Nursia, who is considered the founder of Western monasticism. St. Benedict lived in the 6th century and is known for his monastic rule, which set out guidelines for monastic communities and emphasized the importance of prayer and work. The prayer reflects the Benedictine tradition of seeking knowledge of God through prayer and contemplation.
The prayer is often recited during times of personal devotion or meditation, and it is used as a way to deepen one’s relationship with God. The prayer asks God to give the believer the spirit of wisdom and understanding so that they may know him more deeply, and it acknowledges that true knowledge of God can only come through his grace. The prayer is a powerful reminder of the wisdom and love of God, and it calls upon believers to seek him with their whole heart.
The prayer has been passed down through the centuries and has become an integral part of Benedictine spirituality. It is often recited by monks and nuns in monasteries and convents around the world, and it is also used by laypeople as a way to deepen their own spiritual practice. The prayer has inspired many to seek a deeper relationship with God and has helped countless individuals on their spiritual journey.
Overall, The Spirit to Know You is a timeless prayer that speaks to the universal desire for a deeper relationship with God. It is a powerful reminder of the wisdom and love of God, and it invites believers to seek him with humility and reverence. Whether recited in community or in private, the prayer is a source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance for all who seek to know God more deeply.