O Holy Spirit, You take pleasure in making Your light shine upon souls that are humble, upright and pure, whereas You refuse to give it to the proud and worldly prudent, and to all who are slaves of their passions; I do not deserve to receive Your light because I am so proud, wretched and sensual. The countless sins I have committed, my attachments to creatures and my unrestrained passions have all gathered thick clouds over my soul which the rays of Your light cannot pierce. I beseech You, by the merits of Jesus Christ and the almighty intercession of Your beloved Spouse, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, please scatter these clouds by forgiving all my sins and by detaching my heart entirely from earthly affections. Despite my unworthiness, send down to my soul the heavenly rays of the Gift of Understanding, so that I may discover the hidden beauties contained in the truths of faith and the mysteries of religion. At the sight of such splendor, my heart will be inflamed with love for God and with zeal to have Him loved by others; it will find its delight in prayer and contemplation; it will yearn unceasingly after the uncreated Beauty, the divine face to face. O Holy Spirit, do not reject my prayer, do not leave me in darkness any longer! Grant me the Gift of Understanding. Then I will lead a new life, a life of love and fervor, while waiting to go and live the life of the blessed with You in heaven. O Mary, cherished Spouse of the Spirit of Truth, I beseech You, obtain for me the precious Gift of Understanding. 7 Hail Mary, 7 Glory Be.