A prayer of Saint John Chrysostom before reading or listening to the scriptures

O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, that I may hear Thy word and understand and do Thy will, for I am a sojourner upon the earth.

Do not hide Thy commandments from me, but open mine eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of Thy law.

Speak to me the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom.

On Thee do I set my hope, O my God, that Thou enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Thy knowledge, not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them; that in reading the lives and sayings of the saints I may not sin, but that they may serve for my restoration, enlightenment and sanctification, for the salvation of my soul, and the inheritance of life everlasting.

For Thou art the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from Thee comes every good deed and every gift. Amen.