We come before the Lord with heavy hearts for your son, lifting him up in prayer and seeking God’s intervention in his life. The struggle you describe is one of rebellion, laziness, and a heart ensnared by the deceitful pleasures of this world—particularly the addiction to games, which has become a stumbling block in his path. The Bible warns us in **Proverbs 13:4**, *"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."* Your son’s refusal to take responsibility for his future, his unwillingness to pursue opportunities, and his entitlement reveal a heart that has turned away from the discipline and wisdom of the Lord. This is not merely stubbornness; it is sin, and it must be addressed with both truth and love.
We also see the danger of idleness and the love of ease creeping into his life. **2 Thessalonians 3:10-12** says, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: ‘If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.’ For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."* Your son’s behavior is not only harmful to himself but dishonoring to you as his parent and to God, who calls us to steward the gifts and opportunities He provides.
His attitude of entitlement—demanding luxuries while refusing to labor—is a reflection of a heart that has not surrendered to Christ. The world does not owe him anything, but God *does* call him to faithfulness, diligence, and gratitude. **1 Timothy 6:6-8** reminds us, *"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that."* His discontent and refusal to act are rooted in a lack of trust in God’s provision and a rejection of the biblical call to work heartily as unto the Lord (**Colossians 3:23**).
We must also address the spiritual condition of his heart. If he is not walking with the Lord, no amount of external pressure will change him permanently. True transformation comes only through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. If he has not surrendered his life to Christ, that is the most urgent need. **Ephesians 2:8-9** tells us, *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."* Without Christ, he is enslaved to his sinful desires, but in Christ, he can find freedom, purpose, and the strength to overcome addiction and laziness.
As for his claim that "the world hates him," this is a lie from the enemy. The world may not give him what his flesh desires, but God loves him deeply—and sometimes love looks like discipline, hard work, and the refusal to enable sin. **Hebrews 12:6** says, *"For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines, and scourges every son whom he receives."* Your son’s resistance is not just against you; it is against the Lord’s design for his life. We must pray that his heart would be broken by this truth and that he would turn in repentance.
Now, let us pray together for your son and for you as his parent:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a burdened heart for this young man who has turned away from wisdom, discipline, and the path of righteousness. Lord, You see his addiction to games, his laziness, and his rebellious heart. We ask that You would convict him deeply by Your Holy Spirit, breaking the chains of slothfulness and entitlement that bind him. Open his eyes to see the destruction of his current path and the hope that is found only in You.
Father, soften his heart to receive Your truth. Let him not harden his heart further but turn in repentance, seeking Your forgiveness and Your will for his life. Remove the scales from his eyes so he may see the opportunities You have provided—not as burdens, but as blessings to be stewarded faithfully. Give him a spirit of diligence, excellence, and perseverance, that he may walk in the good works You have prepared for him (**Ephesians 2:10**).
We rebuke the spirit of laziness, addiction, and rebellion in Jesus’ name. No weapon formed against him shall prosper (**Isaiah 54:17**), and we declare that the Lord will deliver him from the snare of the enemy. Break the power of gaming addiction over his mind and replace it with a hunger for Your Word and a passion for Your purposes.
Lord, we also lift up this mother, who is weary and grieving over her son’s choices. Strengthen her, Father, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses understanding (**Philippians 4:7**). Give her wisdom to know how to respond to him—when to speak, when to remain silent, when to extend grace, and when to enforce boundaries. Help her to trust You with his life, knowing that You are able to do far more than she could ask or imagine (**Ephesians 3:20**).
We ask that You would orchestrate this interview opportunity in such a way that Your hand is undeniable. If it is Your will, let him go—and not just physically, but with a heart prepared to engage, to learn, and to honor You in the process. Surround him with people who will speak truth into his life and challenge his complacency.
Most of all, Father, we pray for his salvation if he does not know You. Draw him to Yourself, Lord Jesus. Let him see his need for a Savior and turn from his sin. May this season of rebellion be the very thing that drives him to his knees before You.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, who alone can transform hearts and minds. Amen.
To you, dear mother, we say: do not lose heart. Continue to pray fervently, speak truth in love, and set godly boundaries. Your son’s rebellion is not a reflection of your failure as a parent, but an opportunity for God to display His power. Trust that the Lord is working, even when you cannot see it. **Galatians 6:9** encourages us, *"Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up."* Stand firm, and may the Lord grant you peace as you wait on Him.
If your son is open to it, share the gospel with him clearly. Remind him that apart from Christ, we are all slaves to sin, but in Christ, there is freedom, purpose, and eternal life. His greatest need is not an internship or luxury—it is Jesus. Pray that the Lord would open his eyes to this truth.