You are wisdom, uncreated and eternal,
    the supreme first cause, above all being,
    sovereign Godhead, sovereign goodness,
    watching unseen the God-inspired wisdom of Christian people.
Raise us, we pray, that we may totally respond
    to the supreme, unknown, ultimate, and splendid height
    of your words, mysterious and inspired.
There all God’s secret matters lie covered and hidden
    under darkness both profound and brilliant, silent and wise.
You make what is ultimate and beyond brightness
    secretly to shine in all that is most dark.
In your way, ever unseen and intangible,
    you fill to the full with most beautiful splendor
    those souls who close their eyes that they may see.
And I, please, with love that goes on beyond mind
    to all that is beyond mind,
    seek to gain such for myself through this prayer.

 

St. Denis prayer, from The Cloud of Unknowing, 14th century

 

______________________________

 

 

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, 

    so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, 

    in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 

    in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.