A Prayer Before an Exam

Lord, the exam is almost here, and my stomach knows it before my head does. I bring You my nerves, my notes, and this next hour.

Thank You for the mind You gave me and for every hour of studying behind me. What I have learned, help me remember. What I have practiced, help me perform. Let the material come back to me clearly when I turn the first page.

Calm the racing in my chest. When I hit a question I don't know, keep me from panic — help me breathe, skip it, and come back with fresh eyes. One question is never the whole exam, and one exam is never the whole of me.

Keep my eyes on my own paper and my heart honest. Help me manage the clock without watching it.

And when I put my pen down, Lord, let me walk out in peace — because I did my true best, and the results are safe in Your hands.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this the night before while you pack your bag, and again in the hallway outside the exam room — it takes less time than one more frantic flip through the flashcards, and it will do more for your breathing.

A Verse to Hold On To

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." — 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)