Introduction
In April, when the cherry trees bloom, every Japanese school, from elementary school to university, holds its entrance ceremony, the nyūgakushiki, and the new school year begins. Children arrive in brand-new uniforms or with their stiff leather backpacks, the randoseru, under the proud and sometimes anxious eyes of their parents. Christian families and churches often pray at this time to entrust the new stage to God. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: God's protection and guidance, wisdom and study, friendships, and encouragement for anxious hearts. Use them in a card or a morning prayer.
God's Protection and Guidance
1. Psalm 37:23
"A man’s steps are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way."
A man's steps are established by Yahweh, and he delights in his way, says the psalm. The road to the new school is one God already knows. On the morning of the ceremony, pray that God will make each of your child's steps firm. Even on days when things go badly, those steps remain under the Lord's eye. Read all of Psalm 37.
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."
Do not be afraid, for I am with you, says God; I will strengthen you, help you and uphold you. A first classroom and a first teacher are a big challenge. In the moments when you cannot go with your child, God is with them. Each morning, bless them at the door with this verse. Read all of Isaiah 41.
3. Psalm 139:9-10
"If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me."
If I take the wings of the dawn and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand will lead me. This promise reaches the child who changes school or city. And the student who leaves home for university or a dormitory can know that God's hand goes with them all the way. Read all of Psalm 139.
4. Psalm 23:1
"Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing."
Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall lack nothing, opens Psalm 23. In a new environment, we first notice what is missing. But the shepherd knows his sheep's needs. Even in the whirl of back-to-school preparations, say this verse with your child and begin the day in trust. Read all of Psalm 23.
5. Psalm 3:5
"I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me."
I laid myself down and slept, I awakened, for Yahweh sustains me, says the psalmist. At the start of term some children cannot sleep. Read this verse beside their bed. When a child knows that both sleep and waking are upheld by the Lord, they can rest without fear. Read all of Psalm 3.
Seeking Wisdom and Learning
6. 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 the proverb. The starting point of study is less the grade than reverence for God. Studying is not about rivalry; it is about knowing the world God made, so as to serve better. On entrance day, remind the whole family of this goal. Read all of Proverbs 1.
7. Proverbs 2:6
"For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."
Yahweh gives wisdom, and out of his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Wisdom does not come only from a good head; it comes from God. Getting into the habit of praying before opening your books, when you do not understand, is a treasure for life. Pray calmly before an assignment, too. Read all of Proverbs 2.
8. Proverbs 4:23
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life."
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. At a new school, the internet and classmates bring many pieces of information and invitations. Knowing what you listen to and what you watch is precious wisdom in adolescence. Make it a topic of conversation between parent and child. Read all of Proverbs 4.
9. Proverbs 18:15
"The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. A willingness to learn matters more than talent. A child who listens well to the teacher and dares to ask questions grows. At the start of the year, pray together that God will give a heart eager to learn. The entrance ceremony is a starting point. Read all of Proverbs 18.
10. Daniel 1:17
"Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams."
God gave four young men knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, the book of Daniel says. They studied in a foreign land while keeping their faith. School and faith are not opposed. Hope with your child that what they learn will be used for God's glory. Read all of Daniel 1.
Friendships
11. Proverbs 17:17
"A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity."
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. At the start of the year many children worry about making friends. A true friend stays close in hard times. Ask God to give your child such friends, and that they may become that kind of friend to others. Read all of Proverbs 17.
12. Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. In a new place some rush to please everyone. What matters is not the number but having one truly reliable friend. Tell your child there is no need to hurry, and entrust good meetings to God. Read all of Proverbs 18.
13. 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."
Two are better than one; if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. At school, a friend who supports you when you are down is a great strength. Pray with the Sunday school that no child will suffer from bullying or isolation. Lifting someone up is also a life lesson. Read all of Ecclesiastes 4.
14. Proverbs 27:17
"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance."
Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance. Friendships shape us in both directions. Sometimes there are clashes and hurt, which is part of growing. In a club or committee with new classmates, believe that God is shaping your character and go forward with confidence. Read all of Proverbs 27.
15. 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."
Whatever you desire for men to do to you, do the same to them, Jesus said. It is the golden rule. In a new classroom, start by doing yourself what you would like to receive: greet people with a smile, speak to someone who is alone. That small gesture can change the atmosphere of a whole class. Read all of Matthew 7.
Encouragement for Anxious Hearts
16. 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."
In nothing be anxious, but in everything let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts. Back-to-school anxiety can become prayer. Parents do not have to carry a child's fears alone either; they can tell God. After prayer comes a peace that surpasses understanding. Read all of Philippians 4.
17. 1 Peter 5:7
"casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you."
Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you, writes Peter. Worries about a child's school life never end, but you do not have to carry them alone. On the day of the ceremony, name your worries one by one and hand them to God in prayer. Read all of 1 Peter 5.
18. John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful."
Peace I leave with you, Jesus said; do not let your heart be troubled. The calm the world gives depends on grades and circumstances. The peace of Jesus lives in the heart whatever the situation. Gently pass this peace on to a child whose heart is shaken in a new environment. Read all of John 14.
19. Psalm 56:3
"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you."
When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you, says the psalmist. Being afraid is not wrong in itself; what matters is whom you turn to. Teach your child that they can talk to God when they feel worried. A short prayer is enough. Read all of Psalm 56.
20. Psalm 94:19
"In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul."
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul. In an unfamiliar setting, thoughts can spin and keep you awake. God can then fill the heart with his comfort. Parents and children, when you are tired in the evening, pray with this verse. The tiredness of April, God can heal. Read all of Psalm 94.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verse suits a school entrance ceremony?
Psalm 37:23, which says a man's steps are established by Yahweh, or Isaiah 41:10, "Don't you be afraid, for I am with you," are often chosen. They suit a congratulatory card for starting school.
How does a church bless children starting school?
Many churches invite new students to the front at the first service of the school year, and the pastor or Sunday school teacher prays for them. Coming in uniform or with a school bag is welcome. Ask your own church what it offers.
How can I share a verse with an anxious child?
One short phrase repeated is better than a long explanation. As you see them off or before bedtime, say a verse like Psalm 56:3 together. First listen to how your child feels, then pray with them.