Popular Christian High School Graduation Songs

What popular songs might be particularly appropriate for a graduation ceremony at a Christian high school? Here are our top ten favorites (listed alphabetically by title).

"Bless the Broken Road"

This familiar song was written by Bobby Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon. The most popular versions have been recorded by Rascal Flatts and Selah.

Although the lyrics of "Bless the Broken Road" describe a romantic love, the familiar lines may also apply to fond Christian high school days of friendships and memories, pondered at graduation:

This much I know is true,
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you.

Particularly in smaller Christian high schools, where students may have known one another since they were quite young, this graduation-appropriate song may become a most special commencement ceremony memory.

"Circle of Friends"

Written by Douglas McKelvey and Steve Siler and recorded by Point of Grace, this song has been around for a few years, but it is still a perennial favorite for graduation ceremonies at Christian high schools.

What could be more nostalgic and sentimental to a close-knit student body than "the shelter of this circle of friends"? Here are a few of the most appropriate Christian high school fellowship lines ever penned:

In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That well gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends.

"Circle of Friends" lends itself well to ensembles and choirs alike, with plenty of solo opportunities to showcase special singers.

"Find Your Wings"

This Christian-themed song, written and recorded by Mark Harris, offers a both a challenge and a hope for the future.

The chorus rings true as a prayer for graduating seniors at a Christian high school, as they venture into their advanced studies or post-academic years:

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings.

Incidentally, Harris co-wrote a gift book with Karen Moore. This title makes a wonderful memento for a Christian high school graduate.

"Friends"

This classic song, from Christian contemporary singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith (and co-written by his wife Debbie), has been a commencement day favorite for more than twenty years at Christian high schools. Still, it remains popular, particularly at graduation exercises.

The first verse aims directly at graduating seniors, as they close up their schooling years and begin the next segment of their lives.

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through
But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong.

What a wonderful assurance for Christian high school graduates, as they contemplate leaving family and friends for college and other pursuits.

"History"

This song from Matthew West, the title track from his 2005 History CD, is an apt choice for a Christian high school celebration of graduation.

West's lyrics point to the future, even as commencement speakers admonish graduates to plan and pursue their dreams.

Every choice that you are making
Every step that you are taking
Every chain that you are breaking
History is in the making.

The lyrics of "History" would challenge Christian high school graduates to consider how the choices they make may impact their own lives and others. "Would you believe that you are history in the making?" West asks.

"Legacy"

Although Nicole Nordeman's classic song, "Legacy," has been around for about ten years, it is still an ideal song choice for a Christian high school festivity for graduation.

Nordeman's lyrics offer an earnest prayer for a life of meaning.

"I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?"

Many Christian high school graduates would certainly with Nordeman's passion for a purposeful life.

"Make My Life a Prayer"

Keith Green was a pioneer in Christian contemporary music. Some have called the late artist a prophet. Killed in 1982 in a tragic plane crash, Green left a huge legacy of music and lyrics.

"Make My Life a Prayer" is a work of honest devotion to God. The song is well suited to a Christian high school ceremony for graduation, because the lyrics pronounce a personal dedication to serving the Lord with one's own life.

The first verse alone sets the stage for a Christian high school speaker at a commencement ceremony:

Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise

I watched Keith Green perform this song at a Christian concert in Lancaster, PA, in the late 1970s. Actually, he did not perform at all. He prophesied.

"My Faith Will Stay"

Christian contemporary recording artist Cheri Keaggy's 1995 hit, "My Faith Will Stay," is a bold declaration of commitment to Christ. This song is particularly appropriate for a Christian high school celebration of graduation.

My faith will stay;
My faith will grow.
Sometimes fast, sometimes slow,
Through the wind and through the rain,
By Your grace, my faith will stay.

No matter what a Christian high school graduate may face, out there in the real world after high school's graduation, a solid faith in God will hold. Such lyrics (and advice) can be just what those graduating seniors may need to hear.

"The Power of a Moment"

"What am I gonna be when I grow up? How am I gonna make my mark in history?" asks singer-songwriter Chris Rice.

Rice, a Christian youth director, has a passion for ministering to high schoolers. His song, "The Power of a Moment," explores the questions most graduating seniors find themselves contemplating.

Rice finds the answer in prayer:

You know the number of my days
So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head
And come write Your wisdom on my heart
And teach me the power of a moment.

"The Power of a Moment" clearly presents the Christian focus of relying on God for wisdom and direction. What a suitable lesson for a Christian high school event for graduation.

"Set the World on Fire"

Britt Nicole's popular Christian anthem opens with the line, "I wanna set the world on fire, until it's burning bright for You." This enthusiastic prayer echoes the passions of many graduating Christian high school seniors.

Nicole's chorus offers an earnest reminder that all power and purpose comes from the Lord:

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I cannot do.

These lyrics make "Set the World on Fire" a most suitable song choice for a Christian high school ceremony for graduation. The song simply sets up a devotional and motivational Christian high school commencement speaker.