Lord, grant me a quiet heart,
before exams start.
Lead me to use my leisure hours,
to invigorate my powers.
My mind from daydreams liberate,
give me the will to concentrate.
From all distractions set me free;
that in my studies I may be
a student with a sole fulfilment,
to make my work a sacrament.
From my faint heart in love expel,
all failures fears that therein dwell.
And from my pillow drive away,
all dark foreboding of the day.
Help me in faith to rest so deep,
that I may have untroubled sleep.
While notes and lectures I prepare,
may I not lost my zest for prayer.
And may I not forget to look,
for guidance in Thy Book.
And may I ever grateful be,
to all who daily pray for me.
While for myself I intercede,
for other students too I plead;
so may exams find
each one alert in heart and mind.
Thus inward joy and peace possessing,
May exams prove a source of blessing.
Amen.
PSALM 23 (Revised Student Version- RSV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not flunk;
He keepeth me from lying down when I should be studying.
He leadeth me beside the water cooler for a study break;
He restoreth my faith in study guides.
He leads me to better study habits
For my grade's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of borderline grades,
I will not have a nervous breakdown;
For thou art with me.
My prayers and my friends, they comfort me.
Thou givest me answers in moments of blankness;
Thou anointest my head with understanding.
My test paper runneth over with questions I recognise.
Surely passing grades and flying colours shall follow me
All the days of my examinations,
And I shall not have to dwell in this university forever,
Amen!