Anselm (c. 1033/34–1109) was a Christian monk and theologian from northwestern Italy who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093. He is known as the Father of Scholasticism, a title he earned for his rigorous pursuit of truth through reason and inquiry.

Anselm was one of those rare souls whose faith combined a razor-sharp intellect with warm devotion to Christ. This latter quality shines through in the following prayer, drawn from a book of his meditations and prayers.

O Redeemer and Savior, draw me to yourself. Do not let the world’s charms entice me, but rather let the sweetness of your most blessed love allure me. Draw me, for you have drawn me. Keep me, for you have laid hold of me. You once drew me in your pity, draw me now into your bliss. Let me cling to you inseparably, adore you unweariedly, serve you perseveringly, seek you faithfully, find you happily, and possess you eternally. Amen.

***

Source: Adapted from St. Anselm’s Book of Meditations and Prayers (London: Burns and Oates, 1872), translated by Martin Rule.