Catholic Prayers for Students: Before an Exam, at Graduation, and Every Day

Finding peace amid academic pressure is an important part of the college experience. From preparing for exams and managing deadlines to adjusting to new responsibilities and planning for the future, students face challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and pray can provide comfort, renew perspective, and help you approach each day with greater purpose.

At Thomas More University, Catholic faith is woven into the college experience through opportunities for worship, reflection, service, and community. Prayer can offer a meaningful way to seek guidance before making an important decision, find encouragement during a demanding semester, or express gratitude for the people and opportunities that shape your time on campus. We hope these suggested prayers can help you reflect and place your academic goals in a broader spiritual context, and stay connected to your faith throughout college.

Before an Exam for Peace and Clarity

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Student’s Prayer I of St. Thomas Aquinas

Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, the true source of light and fountain of wisdom.

Pour forth your brilliance upon my intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance.

Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself.

Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion.

This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit for Calm & Clarity

Lord Jesus, You said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I come to You now with my restless heart. Calm the storms within me, quiet my anxious thoughts, and order my desires according to Your will. Let me find my rest in You alone, for You are my peace. Amen.

A Quick Pre-Test Breath Prayer

Lord, grant me peace in this moment and clarity in my mind. Guide my answers and lead my steps. Amen.

Prayers for Future Career and Discernment

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8

Graduation Prayer of Gratitude & Purpose

Glorious Wonder Worker, Father of the poor, you who miraculously discovered the heart of a miser inside a gold coffer, the great gift of your heart always turned to the poor and downtrodden; you who offered to the Lord my pleas which, through your intercession, have always been answered, please accept as a token of my gratitude the offer which I place at your feet.

Help those who are suffering like me; hasten to aid those who need support in their earthly and especially their spiritual needs, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

O Blessed Tongue

Prayer for Vocational Discernment & Career

Lord, grant me courage and wisdom as I step into job interviews, new career paths, or graduate studies. Open doors according to Your divine plan and illuminate the vocation You have prepared for me. Amen.

Prayer for a Good Life

Grant O merciful God, that I may ardently desire, carefully examine, truly know and perfectly fulfil those things that are pleasing to You and to the praise and glory of Your holy name.

Direct my life, O my God, and grant that I might know what you would have me to do and for me to fulfil it as is necessary and profitable to my soul.

Grant to me, O Lord my God, that I may not be found wanting in prosperity or in adversity and that I may not be lifted up by one nor cast down by the other.

May I find joy in nothing but what leads to You and sorrow in nothing but what leads away from You.

May I seek to please no one or fear to displease anyone, save only You.

Grant to me, O Lord God,

– a vigilant heart that no subtle speculation may ever lead me from You;

– a noble heart that no unworthy affection may draw me from You;

– an upright heart that no evil purpose may turn me from you.

Give me a steadfast heart that no tribulation may shatter and a free heart that no violent affection may claim as its own.

And finally, grant me O Lord my God, a mind to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you.

Give me a way of life pleasing to You; perseverance to trust and await You in confidence that I shall embrace You at the last. Amen.

Faith and Spiritual Life at Thomas More University

Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel is a central gathering place on campus, welcoming students for daily Mass, personal prayer, quiet reflection, and shared worship. Beyond the chapel, Campus Ministry, retreats, and local service opportunities provide meaningful ways to explore your faith, build relationships, and serve the surrounding community. These experiences connect spiritual growth with the everyday moments that shape your college journey.

Learn more about the faith traditions, campus ministries, and service opportunities that support Thomas More University’s spiritual community.

Academic Excellence & Student Success at Thomas More University

At Thomas More University, faith and purpose remain connected to academic and professional preparation across undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree programs. Students benefit from personal faculty mentorship that provides guidance in the classroom and support as they prepare for their careers. Beyond academics, 30 NCAA athletic teams contribute to an active campus community and create opportunities for students to build connections, develop leadership skills, and represent the University.

Thomas More University is also committed to making a quality education more accessible. Every traditional undergraduate student receives financial aid, with more than $30 million awarded annually through scholarships and grants. This combination of academic support, personal mentorship, and career preparation helps students take meaningful next steps after graduation. Within six months of earning their degree, 97% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school.