Prayer Before Examinations

Traditional Prayer Before an Examination

O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino, who by your prayers obtained from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favor in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. St. Joseph of Cupertino, pray for us. Amen.

Students often seek spiritual guidance and peace through prayer when preparing for and taking examinations. These prayers aim to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, and aid in recalling learned material, acknowledging a higher power's role in their academic endeavors.

Several prayers are commonly used by students before examinations, often invoking saints or divine entities for assistance. These prayers generally focus on seeking clarity of mind, a calm disposition, improved memory, and confidence during the test-taking process.

One widely recognized prayer is attributed to St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students and scholars. This prayer, often recited before studying, asks the Holy Spirit for "a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself." It seeks divine brilliance to overcome "darkness of understanding" and "obscurity of both sin and ignorance."

Another popular prayer is directed to St. Joseph of Cupertino, who is considered the patron saint of students and test-takers due to his miraculous ability to pass an examination by being asked only the questions he knew. Students often pray to him, asking for "a like favor in the examinations for which I am now preparing" and promising to make him known if their prayers are answered. This prayer is not seen as a request for shortcuts but for focus, trust, and divine assistance.

A Salesian Prayer emphasizes that a student's "value is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me." This prayer helps students remain focused and calm, trusting that God is with them regardless of the outcome, and asks for help in recalling studied material and grace for overlooked aspects.

Other prayers for studying and exams include:

• A Prayer for Preparation to Study which asks for peace of mind, focus, insight, and the ability to remember what has been studied, while also giving thanks for the ability to study and for given talents.

• A Prayer for Studying from Xavier University, which asks God, the "Source of all wisdom," to help use time and intelligence wisely, listen to the Holy Spirit, and remain serene.

• A Prayer for Successful Testing and Exams that seeks to calm anxious thoughts and nerves, asking for perfect peace, clarity of thought, and the ability to remember and transfer knowledge to paper.

• A simple 10-word prayer from the Surrender Novena: "Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything!" This prayer encourages placing full trust in God for all life's challenges, including exams.

• Prayers for specific needs, such as the St. Agatha Prayer for nursing exams, which asks for intercession to pass the exam and strength to serve others.

These prayers serve as spiritual anchors, helping students to approach their academic challenges with calm, focus, and faith, reminding them that they are supported and loved.

OTHER PRAYER: "Lord, it seems as though our lives are one test after another, weighing us in somebody's balance. Save us from taking these coming tests too seriously or too lightly, but grant that we can reflect on the best of the work we have done and the best of the teaching we've received. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."