Prayer before Study or Instructions

Soft light reveals the fine veins of a translucent green leaf.
Light reveals what patience discovers.

Incomprehensible Creator, the true Fountain of light and only Author of all knowledge: deign, we beseech Thee, to enlighten our understanding, and to remove from us all darkness of sin and ignorance. Thou, who makest eloquent the tongues of those who lack utterance, direct our tongues, and pour on our lips the grace of thy blessing. Give us a diligent and obedient spirit, quickness of apprehension, capacity of retaining, and the powerful assistance of Thy holy grace; that what we hear or learn we may apply to Thy honor and the eternal salvation of our own souls. Amen.

Further reading

For older students and adult learners, A. G. Sertillanges offers a substantial reflection on disciplined study, reading and the habits that sustain an intellectual life.

The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods by A. G. Sertillanges, OP; translated by Mary Ryan; foreword by James V. Schall, SJ (paperback, Catholic University of America Press) on Amazon (paid link)