I love watching the smiling faces parade single-file into the ceremony. The excitement is palpable as the graduates take their seats. I can't help but chuckle when I notice "Hi Mom!" pinned to the top of one hat or "Done!" on another in pink duck tape. It truly is a day to be commemorated.
My favorite part of graduation is listening to the commencement speeches. Typically, a well-known guest speaker, perhaps even a celebrity, will impart wisdom to the graduate's itchy ears. While these speeches are well-thought-out, the speaker relying on their gift of hindsight and life experience, I enjoy the words offered by the class representative.
In most cases, this is the valedictorian or class president, whom the study body respects and admires. These graduates impart wisdom and encouragement not from experience but from anticipating the future. Graduation ends one season of life and starts another. There are numerous decisions, paths, and choices. The prayer is always that they choose well, a sentiment that is echoed in many commencement speeches.
All graduations should be celebrated and cherished, but if you have a high school or college graduate in your circle, may you pray these prayers over their life.
1. A Prayer to Always Remember the Lord
"Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, "Life is not pleasant anymore." Ecclesiastes 12:1 NLT
Heavenly Father, we are beyond grateful for the blessings you've showered over these children. We thank You for the countless times You provided peace during test week, comfort when the day didn't go as planned, strength to keep going after a loss on the field, or Your love when a friend was unkind. Lord, we commit these graduates to You. We know You have a plan and purpose for them, and we pray they will honor You in all they say and do. Lord, we know there will be distractions, but Heavenly Father, keep them firmly focused on You. Help them recall and remember the Sunday School lessons, the before-bedtime devotions, the prayers in the car, and their personal Bible study. May they honor You with their lives and commit to clinging to Your Word in their youth. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
2. A Prayer For Godly Relationships
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." Psalm 1: 1-2 NIV
God Almighty, we know the powerful influence people can have over our lives. We pray for all the multitude of new relationships our graduates will form. Lord, we ask that they find a local church and get plugged in wherever they go. It is our hope they don't abandon the practice of gathering together with the saints. Lord, we ask for godly friends who will draw them closer to You, not lead them astray. Heavenly Father, we call on your Spirit to guide them in choosing their friend group. Help our children continue the practice of daily quiet time. We understand there will be new freedom and abundant opportunities to give their time. May they seek You first in all they do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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3. A Prayer to Remember Their Purpose
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Lord, the world bombards us with what it means to be successful and how we should spend our time, and it can even cause us to question our identity. Abba, Father, we ask that these young adults remember that they are a cherished possession. They don't have to prove their value or worth; they are enough in Christ. Lord, help them to surrender and submit to Your authority as they go about their days. Guide them as they seek to live in a way that brings glory and honor to Your name. Let them share their testimonies freely and openly in the hopes that someone will come to know You as Lord and Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
4. A Prayer for When Their Faith Is Tested
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 NIV
Lord, we know that our loved ones will experience testing of their faith. We ask that you always remember that Your Word is alive and active and the source of Truth. Heavenly Father, when our children face persecution for their faith, help them stand firm and lean on the everlasting promises found in Scripture. Guide them as they cling to your past promises, knowing You are faithful. If they find themselves in a season of waywardness, please bring them back to you. Open their hearts and minds and restore and renew their faith in Jesus' Name, Amen.
5. A Prayer to Keep an Eternal Perspective
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
God, You are the creator of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. Your creation is quick to forget, turn away, and rebel against You, choosing the temporary things of this world over the eternal, everlasting. Lord, we pray that our graduates will keep a proper perspective and live a life filtered through the lens of eternity, choosing to forgo lesser things for better things that have lasting consequences. May they commit their lives to serving You and make the most of every opportunity to share Your wonderful works. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Originally published Saturday, 11 May 2024.
