Lord Jesus,

You know what it is like to learn. You learned how to craft wood and become a carpenter from your father, Joseph. You learned how to take care of yourself and care for others from your mother, Mary. You learned how to read and recite the scriptures from the rabbi's in the synagogue. And you were tested on what you had learned.

I too have been learning, and now my time of testing and examination draws near. And I'm feeling apprehensive. Have I done enough? Will I remember all I have revised? Will I be caught out in the questions? What about the results? Will I get the results I am hoping for? Will my parents be disappointed? I guess I feel a lot of things right now. Fear of the future, excitement of the possibilities, pressure of the cramming still to do, hope of the summer and some free time...

So, right now, here I am asking for you to help me. Lord, you have promised never to leave me and to always be there as my help and guide. So I pray that I never forget this promise, and that I open myself to feel your reassurance and peace as the exams approach. Lord, help me to study thoroughly, help me to remain calm when in the examination hall, help me to remember and put across clearly all that I have learned, and mostly Lord, help me to reassure and calm others around me when they feel panic and fear.

I ask this knowing already that you will answer my prayer. Thank you Lord. Amen.

- Clare Gilmore