What posture should one hold? : Prayerfully Approaching Research

I've been reading and writing on a loop for the last couple of weeks. This has prompted thought about the posture with which I approach my tasks. Sometimes reading theology and the bible in the course of academic research can put one in a different frame of mind than personal contemplative reading or reflection. Maybe it shouldn't, but it can become theology for theology's sake for me when I don't consciously open my mind and heart to the possibility that the spirit might be active within the loop. God works in all things, but I am o so fallible!

So i've been thinking about consciously taking time each day as I sit down to my desk to reflect on why I happen to be sitting at that desk. While Origen might not agree that praying for earthly things is an appropriate subject for prayer, the following prayer, written by Thomas Aquinas, hits the mark for this discussion.

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom,
origin of all being,
graciously let a ray of your light penetrate
the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness
in which i have been born,
an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding,
a retentive memory, and
an ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact
in my explanations and the ability ot express myself
with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning,
direct the progress,
and help in the completion.

I ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(Photo via FFFFOUND!)