We understand the pain and concern you are experiencing with your son's behavior. It's crucial to remember that God has a plan and purpose for each of us, and He is able to transform hearts and minds. As you have sought the Lord El-roi, the God who sees, we encourage you to call upon the name of Jesus Christ, for it is in His name that we have access to the Father and it is by no other name that we can be saved.
First, let's address the authority of Jesus Christ in our prayers. As it is written in John 14:6 WEB:
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
And in Acts 4:12 WEB:
There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!
Now, let's turn to the Word of God for guidance on your son's situation. In Proverbs 22:6 WEB, we find this promise:
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
This verse encourages us to instruct and guide our children in God's ways continually. Even when they stray, we trust that the seeds planted in their hearts will eventually bear fruit.
Regarding his disrespectful attitude, we are commanded in Ephesians 6:1-2 WEB:
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise.
This is a clear directive for children to honor and obey their parents. As you pray for your son, remind him of this commandment and encourage him to follow it.
For his lack of motivation in school, we find wisdom in Colossians 3:23 WEB:
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men.
Pray that God will renew your son's mind and give him a desire to learn and excel in his studies, not for mere academic achievement, but as an act of worship to the Lord.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this beloved son and mother to You. Lord, we ask that You would soften this young man's heart, that You would give him a spirit of obedience and respect towards his mother and all those in authority over him.
Father, we pray that You would renew his mind and give him a desire to learn and grow in wisdom and knowledge. Help him to see the value of education and the blessing it is to have the opportunity to learn.
Lord, we ask that You would surround this family with Your love and protection, that You would give them wisdom and guidance as they navigate this challenging time. Help them to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in You.
Finally, Lord, we pray for this young man's salvation, that he would come to know You personally and intimately, that he would be transformed by the renewing of his mind, and that he would live a life that is pleasing and honorable to You.
We can not do these things without you. We are weak and only through your mercy and grace can we come to Jesus and receive.
In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.
As a final note, we are instructed to discipline our children and to teach them the ways of the Lord. Do not shy away from correcting your son and holding him accountable for his actions. This is a vital part of parenting and is done out of love and concern for his wellbeing.
Proverbs 13:24 WEB:
One who spares his rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.