Prayer Before Reading the Holy Scriptures
O King of Glory, Lord of Hosts, Who didst triumphantly ascend the heavens, leave us not as orphans, but send us the Promised of the Father, the Spirit of Truth.
We implore Thee, O Lord, that the Consoler, Who proceedeth from Thee, will enlighten our souls and infuse into them all truth, as Thy Son hath promised.
O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, vouchsafe to grant us, according to the riches of Thy glory that Christ by faith may dwell in our hearts, which rooted and grounded in charity, may acknowledge the love of Christ, surpassing all knowledge. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer After Reading the Holy Scriptures
(Prayer of St. Bede the Venerable. Died 735)
Let me not, O Lord, be puffed up with worldly wisdom, which passes away, but grant me that love which never abates, that I may not choose to know anything among men, but Jesus and Him crucified. (1 Cor. 13:8; 2:2)
I beg Thee, dear Jesus, that he upon whom Thou hast graciously bestowed the sweet savor of the words of Thy Knowledge, may also possess Thee, Fount of all Wisdom, and shine forever before Thy countenance. Amen.