As final exams approach

One of the biggest mysteries in my existence is how I managed to graduate high school having failed English my freshman and sophomore years and not having to go to summer school.

Aaaah! I remember the days in Sr. St. George's classroom: the weekly vocab/spelling exams, Commonplaces, journals, the vegetable garden, the scoldings, humiliations, and the papers covererd in more red than the republican budget. Oh the good old days... and yes they were!

Several of my teachers often commented that I got through on a prayer. I am not one to believe in superstition and and bending the outcome of things through prayer, but prayer in times of study does help. If anything, there is a peace that comes from simply knowing that I entrust myself to the hands of my GOD.

As the school year quickly approaches and final exams are within sight for students all over, I offer some prayers I have come accross.

Sister Saint George Skurla's prayer:

Wisdom of GOD be with me, always at work in me.

Wisdom of GOD be with me, always at work in me.

Wisdom of GOD be with me, always at work in me.

Our Lady Queen of the Angels: Pray for us.

Mr. John Bustamante's Prayer Before Class:

Come Holy Spirit and by your divine assistance help our meeting here today

be of worth to us and those we hope to serve. Amen.

Prayer Before Study or Reading:

Grant me grace, O merciful GOD, to desire ardently all that is pleasing to you, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully, and to accomplish it perfectly, fo rhte praise and glory of your name. Amen.

Our Lady of Good Studies: Pray for us.

(Indulgence of 300 days, each time.--Leo XIII. June 29, 1879)

Prayer Before an Exam:

O wise God, I pray that my mind might be rested, my body energized, and my spirit inspired for the exam I must write. Grant me peace and assurance so that I might do the best I am able, regardless of what that might be.

Be with my fellow students and may I be a good example to them, offering reassurance and confidence regardless of how I feel. May I be honest and insightful, and able to give a true record of what I have learned. In the end, may any disappointment be born with grace, and any joy accompanied with humility.

I write this exam with Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Patron of Students: Pray for us.