We lift up this young first grader before the Lord, recognizing that his defiance, disobedience, and deceit are not just behavioral issues but spiritual battles that require divine intervention. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* Yet we also know that *"the heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt"* (Jeremiah 17:9). This child’s actions reflect a heart that is not yet surrendered to the Lord, and we must pray earnestly for his salvation and transformation.
His refusal to complete assignments, his disruption of others, his tardiness, and his lying are all signs of rebellion—a spirit that must be broken by the power of God. Ephesians 6:1 commands children to *"obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right,"* and Colossians 3:20 reinforces this: *"Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord."* But obedience begins with a heart that fears and loves God. Without Christ, this child will continue in his defiance, but with Him, there is hope for change.
We also recognize that this behavior may stem from deeper struggles—perhaps a lack of discipline at home, emotional turmoil, or even spiritual oppression. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he often targets children to lead them astray early. But Jesus said, *"Let the little children come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these"* (Mark 10:14). Our prayer is that this child would encounter the love and authority of Christ in a way that transforms his heart.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with burdened hearts for this young child who is walking in defiance and deception. Lord, You see his heart—You know the roots of his rebellion, whether it is pride, hurt, neglect, or the influence of the enemy. We ask that You would break the spirit of disobedience in him and replace it with a spirit of humility and submission to Your will.
Father, we pray that You would surround this child with godly authority—teachers, parents, and mentors who will not tolerate his sin but will lovingly correct and guide him in Your truth. Give them wisdom to discipline him in a way that leads to repentance, not resentment. Soften his heart, Lord, so that he may receive correction and turn from his deceitful ways.
We rebuke any spiritual strongholds in this child’s life—any lies he has believed, any bitterness he harbors, or any demonic influence that fuels his defiance. By the blood of Jesus, we break the power of the enemy over him and declare that he is a child of God, called to walk in obedience and truth. Let him encounter Your presence in such a way that he cannot help but surrender to You.
Lord, we also lift up his parents. If they have been enabling his behavior or failing to discipline him in love, convict them and give them the strength to lead him in Your ways. If they are already seeking to raise him rightly, encourage them and grant them patience and perseverance.
Most of all, Father, we pray for this child’s salvation. Draw him to Yourself, Lord Jesus. Let him know that You are holy and just, but also full of mercy and love. May he turn from his sin and place his faith in You, so that his life may be transformed by Your grace.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the power to change hearts and set captives free. Amen.
To those interceding for this child, we encourage you to continue standing in the gap for him. Do not grow weary in prayer, for the Lord hears and acts on behalf of those who seek Him. Remember the words of Galatians 6:9: *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."* Keep speaking life and truth over this child, and trust that God is at work, even when you cannot see it.
If this child’s parents are believers, urge them to take authority in their home, to pray over their child, and to seek godly counsel if needed. If they are not believers, pray that this situation would drive them to seek the Lord. The family unit is under attack, and it is only through Christ that it can be restored.
Finally, if this child is in a Christian school or home, we urge those in authority to address his behavior with both firmness and grace. Do not allow his defiance to go unchecked, but also extend mercy, showing him the love of Christ even as you correct him. Discipline without love breeds resentment, but discipline rooted in love leads to repentance and growth.