Introduction
In Japan the school year begins in April: an opening ceremony, a reshuffle of classes and the first meeting with a new homeroom teacher. Children feel excitement and nervousness together, and Sunday school starts a new year as well. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, form four themes: courage for a new step, friends, learning from teachers and the joy of learning. Read them with your child, one at a time, at bedtime or around the table.
Courage for a New Step
1. Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you."
The psalmist prays: when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In a new class you may know no one, and worry sets in. Being afraid is not wrong. This verse teaches that we can then rely on God. Read it together before leaving for school. Read all of Psalm 56.
2. Isaiah 41:10
"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness."
God says: do not be afraid, I am with you, I will strengthen you, I will help you. On the first morning, tension before walking into class touches children and adults alike. God is always there. Place a hand on your child's back as they carry their school bag, and read this verse aloud. Read all of Isaiah 41.
3. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."
Paul writes that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. Even a child who dislikes speaking in public or dreads introducing themselves receives power and love from God. Pray together that your child will dare to take one small brave step. Read all of 2 Timothy 1.
4. Psalm 4:8
"In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety."
The psalmist says he lies down and sleeps in peace, for Yahweh alone makes him live in safety. At the start of term, sleep may be restless from tiredness or excitement. Before bed, tell God about your day and say this verse. Parents can pray with their child. Read all of Psalm 4.
5. Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path, sings the psalmist. A lamp does not light up far ahead, but it shows the next step. Even without knowing what the year will bring, God's word lights the feet. Start a habit: read a short verse together every day. Read all of Psalm 119.
Walking With Friends
6. Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs says a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A true friend stays near in joy and in hard times. Keep this verse in mind as you make new friends, and as you become a friend to someone else in your class. Read all of Proverbs 17.
7. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up."
Ecclesiastes says two are better than one, because if one falls, the other lifts up his friend. When a class change separates a child from friends, new friendships become a great support. Talk together about how important it is to help each other, using real examples from class. Read all of Ecclesiastes 4.
8. John 15:12
"“This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you."
Jesus says: love one another, even as I have loved you. This is his commandment to every child too. Loving classmates is not only getting along. It also means speaking to a child in trouble or inviting someone who is alone. Make one small act of kindness your goal for the term, and keep it up each week. Read all of John 15.
9. Ephesians 4:32
"And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."
Paul urges us to be kind and tender hearted, forgiving each other as God in Christ forgave us. Sometimes you will quarrel with a friend. Then ask God for the courage to apologize first and the gentleness to forgive. Making peace delights God and calms the heart. Read all of Ephesians 4.
10. Matthew 7:12
"Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets."
Jesus teaches: whatever you desire for men to do to you, do the same to them. Do for others what would make you glad: the teaching is simple. A classroom without bullying grows from that attitude in each person. Look together for concrete actions to try in the first week. Read all of Matthew 7.
Learning From Teachers
11. Proverbs 19:20
"Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end."
Proverbs says to listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in your latter end. Listening to your teacher to the end is the basis of good learning. Whoever your new teacher is, there is something to learn from them. Ask God for a teachable heart. Read all of Proverbs 19.
12. Proverbs 9:9
"Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning."
Instruct a wise person, says Proverbs, and he will be still wiser. A child who loves learning wants to learn even more. Receive the joy of discovery as a gift from God. When you do not understand something, do not hesitate to ask your teacher a question. Read all of Proverbs 9.
13. Proverbs 13:20
"One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Proverbs says that one who walks with wise men grows wise. Our friends influence us. Spending time with good classmates shapes our thoughts and actions, little by little. Talk about how you would like to live alongside your classmates, and pray for good encounters this year. Read all of Proverbs 13.
14. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves."
Paul asks us to respect those who labor among us and are over us, and to honor them in love. Teachers give time and energy to children. From the start of the year, make it a habit to pray for them. A word of thanks or a note will warm their hearts. Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5.
15. Colossians 3:23
"And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,"
Paul asks us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Homework, classroom cleaning and group tasks gain meaning when done for God, even small ones. Even with no one watching, God sees and is pleased. Pass this quiet assurance on to your child. Read all of Colossians 3.
Growing the Joy of Learning
16. Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction."
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, says Proverbs. To fear Yahweh is to honor and respect him. Doing well on tests is not the only purpose of learning. When you know that all knowledge comes from God, each textbook page becomes a doorway into his world. Read all of Proverbs 1.
17. Proverbs 3:13
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding."
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, says Proverbs. Learning is like a journey in search of wisdom, and every day brings a new step along that road. Grades are not everything: the ability to think and to care about others is precious wisdom too. Pray, with joy, for the kinds of wisdom you will meet this year. Read all of Proverbs 3.
18. Psalm 119:18
"Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law."
The psalmist prays: open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things. Scholars have loved this prayer for centuries. A science experiment, a story in reading class, a flash of insight in math: marvels of God's creation hide there. Every lesson can become a surprise that God shows us, so ask him to open your child's eyes. Read all of Psalm 119.
19. Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things."
Paul writes: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure and lovely, think about these things. What we look at and what we think about shapes the heart over time. Encourage your child this year to turn toward good books, beautiful things and acts of care for others. Read all of Philippians 4.
20. Luke 2:52
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
Luke writes that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. This is balanced growth: body, mind, relationship with God and with others. Each day, ask God in prayer that your child will grow like this throughout the year, and thank him for each small step of growth. Read all of Luke 2.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I say to a child who is anxious about the new term?
Listen first to the worry without dismissing it. Then remind them, with Psalm 56:3, that we can trust God when we are afraid. A short prayer together before leaving calms the heart.
How does Sunday school start in spring?
Many Japanese churches form new classes in April and celebrate moving up to the next class. Practices vary from church to church. If you would like to take part, ask the church directly.
How long should I read the Bible with a child?
About a minute is enough: one verse after breakfast or before bed, followed by a short prayer. Regularity matters more than length. Adapt the moment to your child's age and attention span.