For Steadfastness

In all that you require me to do,
grant me the knowledge,
the desire and the ability,
that I may so fulfill it as I ought,
and may make my path to you.
I pray,
keep me safe, straightforward, and perfect to the end.

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart,
which no unworthy affection may drag downwards;
give me an unconquered heart,
which no tribulation can wear out;
give me an upright heart,
which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.

Bestow on me also, O Lord my God,
understanding to know you,
diligence to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you. Amen.

Source: Thomas Aquinas, d. 1274
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954.