Here I am standing in line - in alphabetical order - waiting for the exam room door to open, holding on tightly to my pen and ruler.  My hands feel sweaty and my heart is pounding so loudly I am amazed others can’t hear it.  My mind is blank; I can’t remember anything.  I can’t even remember which exam this is.  Or even my name let alone my examinations number.  HELP!

Exams can be a nightmare.  I know I still get scared and nervous.  So how can being a Christian help us to cope?  Jesus said “Do not worry or be anxious” but that’s easier to say than do when you are faced with exam after exam!  In Ephesians 6:18 we read, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests."

Have you tried praying about your exams?  I don’t mean instead of doing any work!  I mean try praying in the days/weeks beforehand.  Tell God how worried you are, pour out your frustrations, be cross or cry with him.  He understands. Be honest in your prayers then ask him for strength to get you through it all.  Then on the day of an exam begin with a prayer when you get up and when you get into the exam room and are waiting for the papers to be given out, pray again, asking God to help you stay calm and focused.  If you can’t think what to say  because of your nerves, then try singing a Christian song to yourself.  It helps – honest. Give it a try.

Pam, June 2008