Introduction
In Japan, from junior high to university, students enter schools through entrance exams that take place mostly between winter and spring. Many people then receive an omamori, a shrine charm. In Christian families and churches, people tend to offer a prayer and a word from the Bible instead. The time is very tense for the student, and a word of encouragement can sometimes become pressure. This page gathers 17 messages: from parents, grandparents, a Sunday school teacher, friends, and a few very short lines for a text. None of them promises success. They ask God to keep the student and give peace. Add the student's name and choose the words that suit their state.
Messages from Parents to Their Child
A parent reassures more by recognizing effort and worth than by speaking of results. Don't overdo it, and say softly that you are on their side.
"[name], watching you study so late every night, I have deep respect for you. Whatever the result, you remain precious to God and to us, without the slightest difference. Take care of yourself and spend today without pushing too hard."
"[name], the exam is near and you may be anxious. That is normal. When it's hard, I'll listen at any time, and we can pray together. Dad and Mom are always on your side."
"The night before the exam, go to bed early. On the day, simply be yourself. God sustains the strength you have. We will pray for you all day while you travel to the exam site."
"[name], you have worked hard so far. When you get home, a hot meal will be waiting. When the exam is over, before thinking about results, let's rest quietly."
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 says to be anxious in nothing, but to make your requests known to God by prayer. Then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guards hearts and thoughts. This is not a promise of a result but of a peace given in the midst of anxiety, a word fitting for a family facing an exam. Read all of Philippians 4.
Messages from Grandparents to a Grandchild
Grandparents' words have the warmth of patience. Don't go too far into the studies. Rejoice that they are well and say that you pray.
"[name], the exam is near. Grandpa and Grandma pray for you every day. We ask God to keep you well and let you give your best."
"[name], well done for all your work. Don't overdo it, and eat well. Whatever the result, you remain a grandchild very dear to Grandpa and Grandma."
"[name], the day of the exam is coming. If you're nervous, that's fine. Breathe deeply, pray for a moment, then walk into the room. We are cheering for you."
"[name], we are always proud to see you work every day. When the exam is over, we'll go and eat something good. We're looking forward to it."
Messages from Sunday School and Church
Teachers and church friends write with the child at worship in mind and remind them that they are loved by God. Short words without pressure fit best.
"[name], the exam is near. I picture you, who were so cheerful in Sunday school, studying with all your strength. God knows you completely. Stay calm and take the exam peacefully."
"[name], thank you for all the work you are putting in. The whole church prays for you every week. When you are tired of studying, slowly read one verse of the Bible. Your heart will rest a little."
"[name], on the morning of the exam, pray for a moment before you leave. A short sentence like "Lord, help me today" is enough. Your church family will be praying at the same hour."
"To [name]: before the result, I want to say it again. Your worth does not depend on success or failure. God loves you as you are. Whatever the day, the church is your home."
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."
Don't be afraid, for I am with you, says God. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. On the morning of the exam, knowing you are not alone is a great support for a tense student. This verse promises no result. It points to a God who stays beside them. Read all of Isaiah 41.
Messages from Friends and Short Lines for a Text
A friend writes short and simply. Avoid the "hang in there" that adds pressure. Say instead that you are cheering for them.
"[name], the exam is near. I pray that you can give your best. When it's over, let's meet up quietly."
"Good luck with the entrance exam. Don't push yourself too hard, and sleep well. On the day, stay calm. Being yourself is enough."
"[name], I know you study a little every day. On exam day, I pray that God will keep you."
"On exam day, I'll be cheering from afar. Write to me when it's over. Before even the result, I want to say "well done" first."
"[name], breathe deeply and do it as usual. I'm praying for you."
Colossians 3:23
"And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,"
Paul urges: whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. It is not the grade or the rank that counts, but working honestly before God. By adding this verse to your friend's card, you are not demanding a result. Read all of Colossians 3.
How to Write Your Own Message for a Student Facing Exams
Don't promise a result. "You'll surely pass" or "it's certain" can weigh on them. Prefer a prayer: "may God keep you."
Avoid words of ill omen. In Japan, people do not say "fail," "slip," "fall" or "stumble" to exam candidates. The student and the family are sometimes sensitive to this. Saying the same thing another way reassures.
Recognize their effort concretely. "I see you studying late every night" shows them their work is seen.
Say that they matter whatever the result. Rather than pass or fail, the message "I love you" is what stays best.
Keep it brief. A student is busy and sometimes has no strength to read. Three to five sentences that say the essentials are enough.
Promise prayer only if you will pray. Add "no need to reply" so as not to weigh on them before the exam.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bible verse put pressure on a student?
Avoid verses that promise a result or push too hard, and choose those that speak of God's keeping and peace. If the student is not a believer, begin with words of care and say only that you are praying.
What can a Christian give instead of the shrine omamori?
Many give a card with a prayer, a bookmark with a short verse or a handwritten note. What counts is not the object but thinking of the person and praying for them.
What message should I send just before the exam?
A brief word is better than a long text. "I pray that you give your best" or "write to me when it's over" touch a student more without pressure.