Almighty God, who art the essence of all things, beyond space and time and yet within them; manifest thyself unto us who feel after thee, seeking thy light amid the shadows of ignorance.  Recall us from our errors and reach forth thine right hand to help us, who, without thee, cannot come to thee and who desire nothing beside thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (John Scotus Eriugena, 9th Century Irish scholar)