7 Prayers for Graduates Whose Futures Seem Uncertain during COVID-19

1. A Prayer for Spiritual Grounding

Father God, 

In these uncertain days, it may be tempting to become self-sufficient and forget You are in control. Remind our graduates they were created by You and for You—to honor and glorify You—to magnify Your name. I know You bless and have stored up good things for those who fear You—those who are in awe of Your splendor and trust You completely. Father, I pray our graduates will fear You and experience the fullness of life in You. I pray they will be rooted and established in Your great and expansive love—rooted and built up in Jesus and established in their faith as they study Your Word. Help them understand that every good thing they will ever have comes from You. You are the faithful God, and Your Word and works reveal Your faithfulness every morning, and this gives us hope. Whatever comes their way, help our graduates turn to You in their time of need. 

Colossians 1:17
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

Lamentations 3:21-23
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

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2. A Prayer for Peace in Life’s Trials

God,

I know one of the things COVID-19 has robbed our graduates of is a sense of peace. Their anxieties may increase as some of the consequences of the pandemic roll into their future.

Jobs may be hard to find and they may need to consider alternative careers. Decisions may be delayed. Hopes to fulfill their dreams may be dashed. But You, God, are their refuge, and when they run to You and fix their thoughts on You, they will find perfect peace. I pray our graduates will understand this.

I pray they will learn to bring their concerns and anxious thoughts to You, and allow Your peace to guard their emotions and thoughts. I pray You will calm them down, conquer their anxieties and bring them joy. Help our graduates abolish their worries as they comprehend Your great care for them. You know exactly what they will ever need.

They don’t have to fear, because You will help and uphold them, ever-present to help them in any troubles they will face. I am so thankful for Your constant sovereign watching over our graduates, and Your promise of refuge in troubling times.

Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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3. A Prayer for Wise Choices

Lord,

It’s hard to know what to believe during COVID-19, and in much of life our graduates will ponder many questions. They desperately need wisdom going forward.

I ask You for wisdom for our graduates. I pray You will counsel and instruct them and give them discernment and insight as they trust Your wisdom—not their own—to direct them on their journey.

I pray they will seek You when pressures come, and will commit their plans for the future to You. Remind them that life is short, and Your Word will help them make wise choices. Help them be teachable so they can grow in balance in all areas of life, just as Jesus did. Help them be dreamers, understanding that You want to accomplish more in and through them than they’ll ever think to ask for or imagine. Give them hope and purpose as they navigate uncertain waters. You, Lord, establish our steps; so help our graduates know every decision is ultimately from You. Your purposes for our graduates will stand; You will fulfill Your plans for them. I pray they will learn to trust Your sovereign designs for their lives, knowing there are some things You will permit for their growth, others’ good and Your glory. 

Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

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4. A Prayer for Strength and Courage

Father God,

In times like these, our graduates will need uncommon strength and courage. They will need inner strength that comes from Your supernatural power. Your Word says You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. You do not give Your children a spirit of fear or timidity—that is a strategy of the enemy. But You, Father, give a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.

Our graduates can do all things You call them to do, in Your strength. I pray they will not be shaken by scary circumstances, but will stay close to You, secure in You. Because You are their stronghold—their fortified refuge—they have no reason to fear.

Instead, help them view life as a grand adventure with You. I pray You will give them strength and courage in the days ahead. Keep a firm grip on them, Lord! Help them remember You are with them, every step of the way.

Psalm 16:8-9
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure...

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

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5. A Prayer for Godliness with Joy

Dear God,

There will be many temptations and trials ahead for our graduates. The enemy desires to destroy their lives and defeat the plans You have for them, so Satan will try to entrap them. Trials will come to every graduate, but You, Lord, use trials in Christians’ lives as part of Your great refining work of sanctifying Your children—making them more like Jesus—and putting Your power on display.

I pray our graduates will turn to You and depend on You in times of temptations and trials. I pray they will know Your will and live a life worthy of following You. I pray they will have a heart to walk closely with You and make careful choices that will please You.

You have called them to holiness, so help them guard their hearts and thoughts. It is in Your holy presence they will find true joy, regardless of their circumstances; so I pray they will seek You and be found by You, study the scriptures, live in holiness, and experience the sweet joys of their salvation. 

Colossians 1:10-11
...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience...

Hebrews 12:14
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

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6. A Prayer for Empowering Relationships

Father,

I know we are not meant to go through life alone. This is especially important as our graduates move through the fallout of COVID-19. I pray You will bring empowering relationships into our graduates’ lives. I pray they will keep their relationship priorities straight—their relationship with You first, then their relationships with family and close friends, and then those they encounter in career and ministry.

If they remain single in Your will, I pray they will honor You in their singleness. If You call them into marriage, help them embrace biblical commands for a God-honoring home.

Because life may become difficult and confusing with new regulations because of the pandemic, I pray our graduates will find and surround themselves with faithful friends and wise, godly influencers. In every relationship, teach them to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and show them the damage that angry, hasty words can cause. Show them how kindness and words of wisdom can build their key relationships.

Strengthen them through refreshing words they receive from others, and help them encourage and build up others as well. Show them how to create a network of wise advisors and mentors who can counsel them through any difficulties and uncertainties they may face.

James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

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7. A Prayer for Integrity and Favor

Lord, 

Choices can become confusing when overwhelming circumstances threaten to change the norms our graduates expected for their lives. So I pray they will cling to integrity and make wise decisions.

It is Your steadfast love and faithfulness that will enable our graduates to win favor in life and a good name in Your sight and with others. Show them how to act righteously—with integrity—as children of light.

Give them a spirit of humility before You that will enable them to adapt to changes with godly attitudes and responses. As they act with the wisdom that humility brings, I pray you will lift up our graduates and honor them.

I pray Your favor—Your wonderful grace and divine kindness—will surround them like a shield of protection and confirm and affirm their work for You and in the world. Give them the ability to do things that may seem impossible in these confusing times.

It will be tempting to look to the world for honor, Lord, but help our graduates remember You are the One who gives Your children favor and honor. It is only by Your grace we can live for You and serve You.

With that in mind, I pray for Your supernatural blessing and favor in our graduates’ lives as they move forward into the unknown territory of their future. 

Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...

Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

May your graduates be blessed and always be a blessing!

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