It is 'a thing devoutly to be wished'. [=a thing worth wishing for; a thing you want very much to happen]
His parents are 'devout' [='staunch'] believers in the value of a good education.
It is his 'devout' wish to help people in need.
(..) Look... I wrote the checks and I'll give them to you. There's no problem. I need to ask a favour. Ma'am, you are a devout person. Swear on the Qoran that I caused your miscarriage. Bring a Qoran. Go get it. Come quickly (..)2011 A Separation