For the Splendor of Creation

that draws us to inquire,

for the mysteries of knowledge

to which our hearts aspire,

for the deep and subtle beauties

which delight the eye and ear,

for the discipline of logic,

the struggle to be clear,

for the unexplained remainder,

the puzzling and the odd:

for the joy and pain of learning,

we give you thanks, O God

 

For the scholars past and present

whose bounty we digest,

for the teachers who inspire us

to summon forth our best,

for our rivals and companions,

sometimes foolish, sometimes wise,

for the human web upholding

this noble enterprise,

for the common life that binds us

through days that soar or plod:

for this place and for these people,

we give you thanks, O God.