Opening Prayer

Let us put ourselves in the holy presence of God.

Lord God, our Mighty God, our Heavenly Father, as we gather here before you to participate in
this academic contest, make us aware that we do this competition not for our own glory, but
instead to glorify your name.

We thank you for giving us this life and for another beautiful morning. We ask for your Holy
Spirit to give us the strength and wisdom as we start this event today. We give you all our
anxious thoughts as you give us peace.

May you allow the contestants to learn that they are already winners because of their
willingness to share their talents. Let them learn that they succeeded not by their selves, but
because of your blessing and guiding presence.
Bestow your generosity and love to all of us present today and bless also those who are left at
home. Whatever we accomplish in this competition, we offer all of these to you.

Let this competition serve as a way to praise your name and spread your good news. This we
ask through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Amen.