They Don't Say 'Em Like They Used To

During many of my classes we talk about the value of writing a prayer or praying something that someone else has written. My church history prof, in particular, usually starts class with a prayer written by a church father from the middle ages. Here's one that he recently read that was written by Thomas Aquinas in the 13th Century:

O creator past all telling,
you have appointed from the treasures of your wisdom
the hierarchies of angels,
disposing them in wondrous order
above the bright heavens,
and have so beautifully set out all parts of the universe.

You we call the true fount of wisdom
and the noble origin of all things.
Be pleased to shed
on the darkness of mind in which I was born,
The twofold beam of your light
and warmth to dispel my ignorance and sin.

You make eloquent the tongues of children.
Then instruct my speech
and touch my lips with graciousness.
Make me keen to understand, quick to learn,
able to remember;
make me delicate to interpret and ready to speak.

Guide my going in and going forward,
lead home my going forth.
You are true God and true man,
and live for ever and ever. Amen.

While it's good that we can say what we're thinking to God, this prayer puts my free form prayers to shame (since they usually start well but turn into a grocery list of stuff I think I need).