Introduction
Obon is the season around August 15 (in July in some regions) when many Japanese people return to their families, sit down to meals together and pay their respects at the graves of those who have died. Every family has its own customs, and this page judges none of them. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, form four themes: family reunions, honoring parents and elders, remembering those who have died, and the hope of the resurrection. Use them for prayer or quiet reflection.
When the Family Gathers
1. Colossians 3:14
"Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection."
Paul teaches that above all we are to put on love, which binds everything together. Reunions at Obon can stir up both warm memories and awkward moments. Love is the bond that holds a family together. Let these days be a chance to tie the family together again in love. Read all of Colossians 3.
2. Romans 12:10
"In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another;"
Paul urges tender affection and honor toward one another. On an annual visit home you may notice how your parents or siblings have changed. Over a meal or while sharing memories, put your gratitude into words, out loud, and show your respect for each other. Read all of Romans 12.
3. Proverbs 15:17
"Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred."
Proverbs says a simple meal where love is present is better than a feast served with hatred. What matters is not how lavish the dishes are but the atmosphere around the table. Before the Obon meal, give thanks to God as a family and entrust the gathering to him. Read all of Proverbs 15.
4. Psalm 103:17
"But Yahweh’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him, his righteousness to children’s children,"
The psalmist sings that Yahweh's loving kindness reaches to children's children. God's grace does not end with one life; it passes from generation to generation. Those who went before us also lived under this same grace, with all their strengths and weaknesses, and so do we. Read all of Psalm 103.
5. 2 Timothy 1:5
"having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also."
Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith that lived first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Faith is sometimes passed on quietly within a family. During Obon, ask your grandparents or parents how they learned to trust God, and listen to their story with an open heart. Read all of 2 Timothy 1.
Honoring Parents and Those Who Went Before
6. Exodus 20:12
"“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you."
The Ten Commandments tell us to honor our father and mother. To honor is to show, by actions and words, gratitude for the life we received and the upbringing we were given. This is true for a parent who has died and for one who is aging. Use Obon to renew that gratitude. Read all of Exodus 20.
7. Proverbs 23:22
"Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old."
Proverbs tells us to listen to our father and not to despise our mother when she is old. With age, body and heart grow weaker. When you see them again after a long time, listen without rushing them, and thank them for the love you have received. Read all of Proverbs 23.
8. Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents."
Children's children are the crown of the old, and parents are the glory of their children. When three generations gather at Obon, you can feel the bond God has woven. Take a family photo, and thank God together for this precious and fragile gift of family. Read all of Proverbs 17.
9. Hebrews 13:7
"Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith."
The letter to the Hebrews asks us to remember those who spoke God's word and to imitate their faith. If any of your departed loved ones lived out their faith, you can learn from their path. Recall their life, receive it with gratitude and carry it forward. Read all of Hebrews 13.
10. Psalm 145:4
"One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts."
One generation will commend your works to another, sings the psalmist. We have received much from those who walked before us. Now it is our turn to tell the next generation what God has done. At Obon, share how God has been at work in your family's story. Read all of Psalm 145.
Remembering a Loved One Who Has Died
11. Psalm 116:15
"Precious in Yahweh’s sight is the death of his saints."
The psalmist says the death of his saints is precious in Yahweh's sight. God never treats a life lightly. In the grief of losing someone close, knowing that their life matters before God brings a quiet relief. Remember their life with gratitude, and give thanks for who they were. Read all of Psalm 116.
12. Psalm 34:18
"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."
Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted. As Obon approaches, remembering a loved one who has died can tighten your chest. You do not have to hold back your sorrow by force. God is very close to your pain, and he does not leave you alone. Read all of Psalm 34.
13. Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Jesus calls those who mourn blessed, for they will be comforted. Grief is not weakness; it is a sign of love for the person who is gone. God promises to comfort those who weep. Pray quietly and wait for his comfort with trust, without hurrying. Read all of Matthew 5.
14. Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
The psalmist says he will fear no evil in the valley of the shadow of death, because God is with him. The road after losing someone dear can feel like a dark valley. God walks it with you. You are not alone in this crossing. Read all of Psalm 23.
15. Isaiah 25:8
"He has swallowed up death forever! The Lord Yahweh will wipe away tears from off all faces. He will take the reproach of his people away from off all the earth, for Yahweh has spoken it."
The prophet Isaiah announces that Yahweh will swallow up death forever and wipe away tears from all faces. Death does not have the last word. Even when tears come at Obon as you think of a loved one who has died, hold this promise in your heart. Read all of Isaiah 25.
Comforted by the Hope of the Resurrection
16. John 11:25-26
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”"
Jesus said this to Martha when her brother Lazarus had died. Whoever believes in him will live, even if he dies. When you think of a departed relative, this word gently announces the hope of the resurrection. It does not erase the sorrow, but it lights it with hope. Read all of John 11.
17. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."
Paul writes that since Jesus died and rose again, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. He does not want us to grieve like people who have no hope. Place into God's hands, with trust, those who sleep in the faith. Read all of 1 Thessalonians 4.
18. 1 Corinthians 15:20
"But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep."
Paul proclaims that Christ has been raised, the firstfruits of those who are asleep. Firstfruits announce the harvest to come. Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of his people. This hope can sustain you in grief, even when mourning seems to have no way out at all. Read all of 1 Corinthians 15.
19. John 14:2
"In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you."
Jesus told his anxious disciples that his Father's house has many homes and that he was going to prepare a place for them. When you believe that departed loved ones are welcomed into the Father's house, this promise brings deep peace. Read it slowly, as a quiet prayer. Read all of John 14.
20. Psalm 73:26
"My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
The psalmist admits that his flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of his heart and his portion forever. Body and spirit grow weaker with time. God remains a strength that never changes. Those who have gone and those who remain are in his hand. Read all of Psalm 73.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Japanese Christians spend Obon?
It depends on the family, the region and the church. Many go home, visit the grave of a loved one and share a meal. Some churches hold a memorial service for those who have died. Each person respects family customs with gratitude and prayer.
Which verses can I read at a loved one's grave?
Psalm 23, John 11:25-26 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14 are often chosen. Read them with a short prayer, entrusting the person to God. Stay quiet and respectful of the convictions of others who are present.
What if my family follows Buddhism?
Respect your family's convictions and avoid any confrontation. Obon is a time when everyone remembers those who have gone. Share memories and gratitude rather than arguments, and pray quietly when you feel the need.