“PSLE: The mother of all exams or the exam for all mothers?” This old joke from a colleague is bittersweet because it holds true for me.

How would the speed and distance run by Elise and Faizal impact my 12-year-old’s life 10 years from now? What about the ratio of cherries Mrs Lim used for her small and large cakes, or the state of Helen and Ivan’s finances valued in coins? 

Reading the word problems, I chuckled to myself for temporary respite from PSLE revision.

This year, my younger daughter takes the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

She revealed to me that the common sources of stress among her schoolmates pertaining to academics are the unrealistic expectations of parents, comparing grades and getting left behind.

Not that different from when I was 12, but the stress is probably intensified now by the exponential speed at which the world is advancing.

A torrent of emotions flooded her on the eve of her preliminary oral exams recently, probably pent up from the anticipation. This was unusual for my usually composed and even-tempered child.

She has been consistent in her schoolwork but the fear of the unknown and whether her preparation was sufficient, overwhelmed her.

As her mother, I thought about what and how I could pray for her and the other participants in this race. 

PSLE may be considered by many parents as the most important year of their child’s life, but it is important to remember not to “embitter your children” (Colossians 3:21) as you battle through this year with them.

Other than the obvious – good grades, good health, good concentration – I thought it was important to focus on values that could anchor and equip them not only during the PSLE, which is but a small fraction of life, but for the long term.

Capturing my main prayer points using the PSLE acronym, I spoke the Word of God that brings life.

A prayer for all going through PSLE

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your promise to parents that we can commit our children to You, Almighty God, Who instructs them (Isaiah 54:13).

Help us to be good stewards of Your gifts, laying aside our earthly wisdom and committing to bringing our children up in Your ways, to fulfil Your purpose.

May Your all-sufficient grace be more tangible to the single parents among us who may feel burdened and lonely, especially during this time.

We thank You for the tireless dedication of all educators who have sown into these young lives. Please strengthen and refresh them through Your Holy Spirit and bless them with an unending sense of fulfilment and joy (Proverbs 11:25).

As our children take the upcoming PSLE, may Your Shalom be upon them and give them confidence that You are the Lord their God who helps them (Isaiah 41:13).

As they experience success, may they always have the humility to acknowledge Your sovereignty over their lives.

PERSEVERANCE

Strengthen the young ones to persevere in their respective race of life specially marked out for each one, and to finish well. I pray that they will always keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and the things that matter in eternity.

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV):

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

“As they experience success, may they always have the humility to acknowledge Your sovereignty over their lives,” prays our writer whose daughter is undergoing PSLE this year.

SECURE IDENTITY

Create in them a secure identity in Jesus Christ, with full confidence that each one of them is unique with distinctive abilities to accomplish Your purpose. Help them not to conform to the values of this world but be transformed by the continual renewing of their minds in Christ.

Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV): For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

LOVE

Help them to receive Your love and to love You first so that they can love others and be a blessing beyond their circumstances. I pray they will be steadfast in seeking You first in everything and consequently, find freedom from worry about the future.

Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV): Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV): But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

EXCELLENCE

Inspire them to pursue excellence through faithfulness and diligence, knowing that they can surrender the outcome to You Who works out everything according to Your perfect plan.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Thank You, Father God, for Your goodness and unfailing love that follows us all the days of our lives. We rest in Your faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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