We lift up your son before the Lord, knowing that God is deeply concerned for his heart, mind, and future. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but we declare that God’s plans for your son are for good and not for evil, to give him hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Depression and lack of motivation are not from the Lord, but He is faithful to deliver and restore those who turn to Him.
First, we encourage you to examine whether there are any unconfessed sins, spiritual strongholds, or influences in his life that may be contributing to this struggle. The Bible tells us to "be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). If there is any involvement in ungodly entertainment, friendships, or habits—especially excessive gaming, which can become an idol and a distraction from God’s purposes—these must be addressed. "No one can serve two masters... You can’t serve both God and money—or in this case, the distractions of this world" (Matthew 6:24). Gaming, when it replaces responsibility, worship, or godly priorities, can become a snare. We urge you to set boundaries and replace those distractions with Scripture, prayer, and godly discipline.
It is also critical to ensure your son has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If he has not surrendered his life to Christ, this is the foundation he needs most. "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Without Christ, there is no true peace, purpose, or strength to overcome the struggles of this world. If he is already a believer, remind him to cling to Jesus daily, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).
We also encourage you to lead by example in prayer and faith. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). Speak life over him, remind him of God’s promises, and pray with him. Depression often thrives in isolation, so ensure he is connected to a Bible-believing church where he can receive godly counsel, fellowship, and accountability.
For his studies, remind him of Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men." His O-levels are not just about academic success but about stewarding the gifts and opportunities God has given him. Laziness and procrastination are not from the Lord, and Scripture warns against them: "The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied" (Proverbs 13:4).
Now, let us pray together for your son:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this young man who is struggling with depression, lack of motivation, and distraction. Lord, You know his heart, his fears, and his weaknesses. We ask that You break every chain of the enemy that is binding him—whether it be spiritual oppression, fear, laziness, or addiction to worldly distractions. Father, fill him with Your Holy Spirit, renew his mind, and give him a passion for Your Word and Your will.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of depression and apathy in Jesus’ name. You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Restore his joy, Lord, and help him to cast all his anxieties on You, for You care for him (1 Peter 5:7). Give him the strength to rise up each day, to attend school diligently, and to study with excellence, not for the approval of man but as unto You.
Father, we pray for divine wisdom and focus as he prepares for his O-levels. Open his mind to understand and retain what he learns. Surround him with godly influences—teachers, friends, and mentors who will encourage him in You. Remove any ungodly friendships or distractions that are pulling him away from Your purposes.
Lord, we also pray for his salvation if he does not yet know You. Draw him to Yourself, Father. Let him experience Your love, peace, and purpose in a way that transforms his life. If he has strayed, bring him back to You in repentance and faith.
Finally, Father, we ask for Your guidance for this parent as they lead and support their son. Give them wisdom, patience, and discernment to know how to encourage, discipline, and pray for him effectively. Unite their family in faith, and let their home be a place of Your presence and peace.
We declare victory over this situation in Jesus’ name. No weapon formed against this young man shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You, Lord, are his strength, his shield, and his ever-present help. We trust You to work mightily in his life, for Your glory.
In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, we pray. Amen.