We hear your heart and we stand with you in this frustration and discouragement, lifting your loved one before the Father together in Jesus name. We know how heavy it is when someone so dear to you is rebellious and disrespectful and chooses the crooked path instead of the straight one, and when the home becomes a constant battle rather than a place of peace.
Scripture is clear about this kind of behavior. Children are called to honor and obey their parents, for this is right and pleasing to the Lord. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise Ephesians 6:1-2, and again Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord Colossians 3:20. Rebellion itself is taken very seriously by God, for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft 1 Samuel 15:23. Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him Proverbs 22:15. At the same time we are reminded of your calling as a parent or guardian, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it Proverbs 22:6, and Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord Ephesians 6:4. This means we are to correct with firm love, not with constant anger or exasperation, but with patience, prayer, and consistent godly example.
We also hear your concern about her obsessions with animals and their rights, holidays, expensive designer things, celebrities and outward looks. Caring for animals is good, for a righteous man respects the life of his animal Proverbs 12:10, but when any created thing, or vanity, or material possessions, or the approval of the world becomes an obsession, it becomes idolatry and distraction from God. Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father's love is not in him 1 John 2:15. The desire for designer things and celebrity culture and outward beauty is fleeting, for charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain Proverbs 31:30, and we are taught Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing, but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God 1 Peter 3:3-4.
We understand your weariness, and we want to encourage you not to lose heart. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:6-7. Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we do not give up Galatians 6:9. God sees your faithfulness at home, even when it feels unnoticed, and He is able to change a heart, for we are promised I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you Ezekiel 36:26.
We also want to gently point out that you came to Father God without mentioning Jesus Christ, and we want to remind you why His name matters so deeply. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father, for Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6, and 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 Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to come to God the Father in His name, for whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved Romans 10:13.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up this dear loved one to You. You know her heart, her attitudes, and the crooked paths she has been choosing. We ask that You convict her by Your Holy Spirit of rebellion, laziness, arrogance, and disrespect, and bring her to repentance. Soften her heart and turn her toward You, that she may learn to honor You and to honor those You have placed over her. Deliver her from the love of the world, from vanity, from materialism and the obsession with outward appearance and celebrity, and teach her to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness Matthew 6:33. Give her a new heart that loves what You love and desires what is good, pure and true. Help her to be diligent and helpful at home, to learn good things, and to walk in humility and wisdom.
Lord, we also lift up this weary and discouraged one who is praying. Pour out Your peace that passes all understanding upon them. Renew their strength, give them wisdom to discipline and nurture with love and not provocation, and help them to model Christ daily. Help them to rest in You and to trust that You are working even when they cannot see it. Draw this whole household closer to You and let Your will be done in each life.
We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, amen.