Introduction
Graduation ceremonies (sotsugyōshiki) take place mostly in March in Japan, from elementary school to university: students receive their diplomas, thank their teachers and exchange messages in yearbooks and farewell notebooks. Churches sometimes pray for those finishing their studies. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, form four themes: entrusting your departure to God, thanksgiving, the road ahead, and encouragement against anxiety. Use them for prayer or in a farewell message.
Entrusting Your Departure to God
1. Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs invites us to trust in Yahweh with all our heart rather than lean on our own understanding. Even a path you chose yourself leaves some worries behind. The one who acknowledges God in all his ways will see his paths made straight. Hold on to that promise as you move forward. Read all of Proverbs 3.
2. Proverbs 16:3
"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."
Commit your deeds to Yahweh, says Proverbs. Entrusting your study or work plans to God does not mean giving up effort. It means placing your plans in prayer and trusting his guidance, including the results. Hold your plans with an open hand, and keep bringing them to him. Read all of Proverbs 16.
3. Psalm 121:8
"Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more."
The psalmist promises that Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in. That covers every departure and return in life. As you leave for a new place after the graduation ceremony, God watches over you. Even far from your friends, you stay connected to them through prayer. Read all of Psalm 121.
4. Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future."
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God told exiles that he had plans of peace, a future and hope for them. This is not a promise that everything will go as you wish, but a promise that God does not abandon his people. Receive this word in the uncertainty at the end of your studies. Read all of Jeremiah 29.
5. Psalm 119:105
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."
The psalmist confesses that God's word is a lamp to his feet. A lamp does not light up far ahead, but it shows the next step. Even if your road after school is still unclear, read the Bible, pray, and walk one step at a time. Read all of Psalm 119.
Giving Thanks for Learning and Friendships
6. Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God whenever I remember you,"
Paul writes that he thanks his God whenever he remembers his friends. On graduation day we think of classmates, teachers and family. As you picture each face, pray in thanks, and write this verse in a farewell message book or on a card for them. Read all of Philippians 1.
7. Philippians 1:6
"being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Paul is confident that the one who began a good work in us will complete it. Graduation is not a finish line but a stage in what God has begun. Thank him for what has grown in you, and trust him for what comes next. Read all of Philippians 1.
8. Psalm 118:1
"Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever."
The psalmist calls us to give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good and his loving kindness endures forever. On graduation day, you can receive all your memories, happy and difficult, as God's grace. When you leave school, you do not leave his mercy, which goes with you. Read all of Psalm 118.
9. Psalm 103:2
"Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits,"
The psalmist talks to himself: praise Yahweh and do not forget his benefits. As you leaf through your yearbook, recall one by one the friends, teachers, lessons and moments when you were helped. As you count them, gratitude comes by itself, and it keeps growing. Read all of Psalm 103.
10. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you."
Paul recommends giving thanks in everything, for this is God's will. Successes and disappointments alike take on meaning in God's hand. On graduation day, begin the habit of thanking him each evening for what happened. Even the smallest thing counts, and he hears every thank you. Read all of 1 Thessalonians 5.
The Road Ahead
11. Ecclesiastes 12:1
"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them;”"
Ecclesiastes advises us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. At that age the mind is full of dreams and worries. That is exactly when to keep in mind the God who made you and loves you. At the end of your studies, make your walk with him firm. Read all of Ecclesiastes 12.
12. 1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity."
Paul encourages young Timothy: let no one despise your youth, but be an example to believers. When you start in a new setting, you often lack confidence. Aim to set an example quietly and steadily, through your words, your conduct, your love and your faith. Read all of 1 Timothy 4.
13. Micah 6:8
"He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
The prophet asks what Yahweh requires of us: to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. Whatever your career or course of study, these three things do not change. They fit any classroom, office or workshop. After graduation, cultivate integrity, kindness and humility. Read all of Micah 6.
14. 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. Your studies and your new job can become worship offered to God. Do not be tossed about by other people's approval, but work sincerely for him, with all your heart, one task at a time. Read all of Colossians 3.
15. Matthew 6:33
"But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."
Jesus says to seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness. When your future and your next step fill your mind, this word puts your priorities back in order. Whatever you choose, put your relationship with God first, each day: he knows what you need, and he cares. Read all of Matthew 6.
Encouragement for an Anxious Heart
16. 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."
Paul writes to the young Timothy that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. In a new environment, fear can settle in. Then remember the power and love God has given you, and dare to take one small step. Read all of 2 Timothy 1.
17. 1 Peter 5:7
"casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you."
Peter invites us to cast all our worries on God, because he cares for us. Career, relationships, money: set them down one by one in prayer. The evening before the ceremony, a quiet moment of prayer can become a good habit that lasts well beyond that day. Read all of 1 Peter 5.
18. Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Paul declares that he can do all things through the one who strengthens him. This does not mean everything goes as you wish, but that God gives strength in every situation. In a new place, move forward counting on that strength. Say it to yourself when you feel small. Read all of Philippians 4.
19. Isaiah 40:31
"but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."
The prophet promises that those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. Life is not a sprint but a long road, and graduation is only one stage. When you are tired, stop and wait on Yahweh, and take up your strength again. One step after another. Read all of Isaiah 40.
20. Philippians 4:6-7
"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
Paul recommends being anxious about nothing, and instead making our requests known to God with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God guards our hearts and thoughts. Everyone has worries. By turning them into prayers, you receive a peace that surpasses understanding. Read it on the morning of your ceremony. Read all of Philippians 4.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a church do for graduates in Japan?
Some Japanese churches hold a thanksgiving service for those finishing their studies. The pastor and congregation pray to bless their departure. If you would like to take part, ask your church ahead of time.
Can I write a Bible verse in a farewell message book?
Of course. Philippians 1:3 or Proverbs 3:5-6 are good choices. Even if your friend is not a Christian, a short line that blesses their departure is received as a warm encouragement.
Which verse should I read if I don't know what to do next?
Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 3:5-6 are good choices. When the future is unclear, do not try to see a year ahead: entrust today's step to God. Also talk with your pastor or someone you trust.