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Exams and Assessments

This Examen time of prayer invites you to take a moment to relax and de-stress from the pressure of exams, tests and assessments, in the presence of God who loves you unconditionally and who is rooting for you to achieve all your potential in life.

Step 1: Invite God to be present with you.

In the first step of the Examen we invite God to be present with us, so that we can feel the unconditional love he has for us, like a caring parent. We take a moment to just sit and be still and calm in his presence.

Step 2: Give thanks.

Think of one thing you are most grateful for that you have received from your education, whatever it might be. Say thank you for it.

Step 3: Review your day.

Look back over your morning. Was there a moment where you took a good decision that you are proud of?

What was it and why did it make you feel good?

Look back over your morning. Was there a moment where you felt stressed by something?

What was it and why do you think it was stressful?

Step 4: Finding acceptance.

Instead of using this step to seek forgiveness, we will use it to find acceptance. There are things in our lives that we cannot control. We therefore instead have to find a way to accept them.

Is the thing you are finding stressful something that you can control? Perhaps by taking extra time to study, or in fact taking extra time for a break? Or perhaps reaching out to a member of staff for help?

If it is something that you cannot control, take a moment to consider how you might find acceptance for it, so that it doesn’t overwhelm you.

Step 5: Look Forward.

Tests and exams are only one moment of a long and full life. We take a moment to remind ourselves that they do not have to define us, but that they are there to help us to achieve our potential and show what we are capable of. Soon, they will be over for another season.

But focusing on the now, what one thing do you want to achieve today to reduce any feeling of stress you may be experiencing? Ask God to help you achieve it.

We end with a prayer of petition to God to be close by us during our assessments:

Lord, as I prepare for my tests and exams,

let your strength and your wisdom be present to me.

May I revise my work thoroughly.

May I understand what it is I need to know.

May my memory be reliable and orderly.

May I be calm and focused on the task ahead.

May I know and feel the love and support of my family and friends.

And may you, the author and creator of all things, enlighten me.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.