St. Anselm’s Prayer is a profound expression of spiritual seeking and divine love. St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) was a Benedictine monk, philosopher, and Archbishop of Canterbury whose writings deeply influenced Christian theology.
His prayer reflects the beauty of medieval mysticism and a deep understanding of the human soul’s yearning for God. This prayer particularly embodies Anselm’s famous approach of “faith seeking understanding,” making it especially meaningful for those on a journey of spiritual discovery.
Historical Context
Saint: Anselm of Canterbury
Feast Day: April 21
Patronage: Christian philosophers, theologians
Era: 11th Century AD
Saint Anselm Prayer
O my God,
Teach my heart where and how to seek You,
where and how to find You.
You are my God and You are my all
and I have never seen You.
You have made me and remade me,
You have bestowed on me all the good things I possess,
Still I do not know You.
I have not yet done that for which I was made.
Teach me to seek You.
I cannot seek You unless You teach me
or find You unless You show Yourself to me.
Let me seek You in my desire,
let me desire You in my seeking.
Let me find You by loving You,
let me love You when I find You.
Amen.
