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A Baccalaureate Prayer

Being asked to pray during any event is a significant privilege and opportunity. There is power in the prayers you utter, and the words you pray could subtly minister and proclaim Christ to those for whom you pray. Usually, a faithful Christian is asked to pray, although sometimes Christians are persecuted in small ways, such as teasing them by saying, “Oh, here comes the pastor!” or “Hello, hallelujah praise the Lord!” This is because people have seen that you are living your life differently.

What do you say in a graduation prayer?

As a Christian, you always want to proclaim Christ and His work whenever you have an opportunity. While you may be assigned to pray for your graduation ceremony, it is not wise to preach the Gospel out of the blue. You would needlessly anger people or make them hostile to your message, rather than listen to you. But does that mean there is no opportunity to minister and proclaim Christ? Of course not. You can subtly insert the Gospel in your prayer, to which all of them will listen. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit who works in people’s hearts. You may never know, but perhaps someone did repent after hearing your prayer with the Gospel subtly inserted.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony.

A Baccalaureate Prayer

Here is one way you can pray a baccalaureate prayer:

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony. We were able to get through all those years of studying, exams, quizzes, projects, research, and all academic activities because of Your grace. As we now face the real world as professionals, I pray that You continue to give us the graces we need. As we start our careers, remind us that at the end of the day, life is not about money or the pleasures of this world, but all about Jesus. Open our hearts so we may see the beauty of what Jesus did for us on the cross and how it changed our lives. As we move into the professional world, may we always walk in honesty and integrity, and always pursue excellence in the things we do. We thank You, God, for everything. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

In today’s age, some schools may be more strict regarding things like prayer. They may have prayers in their ceremonies or programs, but those may be for the sake of tradition. Some educational institutions may even prohibit mentioning Jesus in prayer, or even praying at all. If you find yourself in this situation, remember that we should fear God, rather than men, and that in the end, we should do what is right and honorable in the eyes of God. Different cases require different considerations. One example is studying in a non-Christian institution located in a non-Christian country. Though it’s doubtful that they would ask you to pray, you should exercise wisdom and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit regarding such a scenario.

Matthew 10:16

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony.

A Baccalaureate Prayer

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony.

A Baccalaureate Prayer

What is a good Bible verse for graduation?

A good Bible verse for graduation points people towards Christ. We assume here that most graduates are not Christians. When people graduate, they become even more susceptible to the pleasures of this world like careers, money, and fame. There is no more urgent truth to hear than the Gospel of Christ. Here is one good Bible verse to use:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

-Romans 6:23

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony.

A Baccalaureate Prayer

However, there are contexts where the graduates will be assumed to be Christians. One example is a Bible college or seminary. In that case, there are many Bible verses that you can use. One good verse to use is something about being perseverant in being faithful to God:

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

-Hebrews 12:1

God in heaven, we thank You for today, and that we all made it here in this ceremony.

A Baccalaureate Prayer

Praying a baccalaureate prayer during graduation is a great privilege and opportunity. Don’t forget to ask the Holy Spirit to empower and help you as you take this opportunity.

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