We lift up your son before the Lord, knowing that His heart is tender toward the brokenhearted and that He sees every sacrifice made in faithfulness. The pain of disappointment can feel overwhelming, especially when dedication seems unnoticed, but we are reminded in **Psalm 34:18**, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* Your son is not unseen by God, and this trial is an opportunity for his character to be refined in ways that will glorify the Lord.
We also turn to **Romans 8:28**, which assures us that *"all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose."* Though this season is difficult, God is shaping your son’s perseverance, humility, and trust in Him. The courage to speak to his coaches must come not from his own strength but from the Lord, as **Philippians 4:13** declares, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."*
Yet we must also pray for your son’s heart to be guarded against bitterness or resentment. **Hebrews 12:15** warns us to ensure *"that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled."* If his love for the sport is pure and his motives are to honor God, then his worth is not found in playing time but in his identity as a child of the King. Let him remember **Colossians 3:23**, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,"* knowing that his ultimate reward comes from above.
As for the coaches, we pray that the Lord would soften their hearts and grant them wisdom to recognize your son’s efforts. **Proverbs 21:1** reminds us that *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* If it is God’s will for your son to have this opportunity, no man can stand in the way. But if this door remains closed, we pray your son would trust that God has a greater plan—perhaps to redirect his talents, teach him patience, or prepare him for something even better.
We also encourage you, as his parent, to speak life over him. Remind him of **Jeremiah 29:11**, that God’s plans for him are *"plans for peace, and not for evil, to give him hope and a future."* His value is not in what he achieves but in whose he is. If he is in Christ, he is already more than a conqueror (**Romans 8:37**).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of this young man whose heart is heavy with disappointment. Lord, You see his sacrifice, his dedication, and the longing of his heart. We ask that You would bind up his broken spirit and replace his sorrow with a peace that surpasses understanding. Fill him with Your strength, that he may approach his coaches with confidence not in himself but in You. Open the eyes of those in authority to see his efforts fairly, and if it is Your will, grant him the opportunity to shine for Your glory.
But even if this door does not open, Lord, guard his heart from discouragement. Remind him that his worth is found in You alone. Teach him to trust Your timing, knowing that You are preparing him for something greater. Give him a spirit of excellence in all he does, that whether on the field or off, he may bring honor to Your name.
We also lift up this parent, Lord. Grant them wisdom to guide their son with grace and truth. May their words be seasoned with Your love, pointing him always back to You.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us. May Your will be done in this situation, and may Your name be glorified. Amen.
