A Prayer Before Reading (Sanctify My Wit)

I found this prayer in the opening of Mayer’s Catechism Abridged (link goes to a different edition than the EEBO ed. I used) and laid it out like a bookmark. Feel free to print and use (especially use).

The text:

A Prayer to bee vsed before the reading of Bookes of Pietie, or Instruction.

O God that art the Father of Lights, enlighten my darkned vnderstanding, that I may see into the wonders contained in the Law. Dispell in me the mistie clouds of ignorance, expell the loue of darknesse, and repel the rebellious Law of sinne. Sanctifie my wit, that I may bee able to retaine, and rectifie my will, that I may obediently submit my selfe to thy good will in all things. Thou which art the Master-builder of thine owne house, settle me as one of thy liuing stones vpon the right foundation, Iesus Christ; in whom I may daily grow vp, till that all the building, coupled together, groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord. And this I craue in the name of thy deare Son, my most blessed Sauiour and Redeemer.

Amen.

Modernized:

A Prayer to Be Used Before the Reading of Books of Piety or Instruction

O God, that art the Father of Lights, enlighten my darkened understanding, that I may see into the wonders contained in the Law. Dispel in me the misty clouds of ignorance, expel the love of darkness, and repel the rebellious law of sin. Sanctify my wit, that I may be able to retain, and rectify my will, that I may obediently submit myself to thy good will in all things. Thou which art the Master-builder of thine own house, settle me as one of thy living stones upon the right foundation, Jesus Christ, in whom I may daily grow up, till all the building, coupled together, groweth to an holy Temple in the Lord. And this I crave in the name of thy dear Son, my most blessed Savior and Redeemer.

Amen.