We lift up your son before the Lord, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and cares deeply for those who feel alone. The struggles he faces—loneliness, ADHD, and academic challenges—are not hidden from our Heavenly Father, who promises to be his strength and refuge. Let us first remind you both of the truth found in Scripture: *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10, WEB). This is not just a promise for the strong but for those who feel weak, overwhelmed, or forgotten.
Your son’s feelings of failure are real, but they are not his identity in Christ. The world may measure success by grades or social circles, but God measures it by faith and perseverance. We encourage your son to lean into this truth: *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). His worth is not tied to his performance but to the love of a Savior who chose him before the foundation of the world. If he has not yet surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, we urge him to do so now, for it is only through Christ that we find true peace, purpose, and the strength to overcome every obstacle. *"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, WEB). There is no greater foundation for life than this.
For his loneliness, we pray that God would open doors for godly friendships—friendships that encourage him in faith and spur him toward Christlikeness. *"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up"* (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, WEB). Let us pray that your son would seek out Christian communities on campus, whether through a Bible study, a church, or a ministry group. Isolation is a tool of the enemy, but fellowship is a gift from God. If he feels too overwhelmed to initiate, pray that God would send someone to *him*—someone who will reflect Christ’s love and walk beside him in this season.
Regarding his ADHD, we acknowledge that this is a real and often exhausting challenge. However, we also recognize that God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We pray that your son would discover strategies and support to manage his symptoms, whether through academic accommodations, time management tools, or simply the grace to ask for help when needed. Let him remember that Moses struggled with speech, David was overlooked as the youngest, and Paul had his own "thorn in the flesh"—yet God used them mightily. His struggles do not disqualify him; they are part of the story God is writing for his good and His glory.
We also admonish him to guard his heart against the lies of the enemy. Feelings of failure can quickly spiral into despair if we listen to the wrong voice. *"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things"* (Philippians 4:8, WEB). When his thoughts turn to defeat, let him replace them with Scripture. When he feels unseen, let him recall that *"the Lord’s eyes are toward the righteous. His ears listen to their cry"* (Psalm 34:15, WEB).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of this young man, lifting him into Your loving and capable hands. Lord, You see his loneliness, his struggles, and the weight he carries. We ask that You would surround him with Your presence so tangibly that he would know he is never truly alone. Send Your Holy Spirit to comfort him, to remind him of his identity in Christ, and to fill him with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
For his academic challenges, we pray for wisdom and clarity of mind. Open doors for the support he needs—whether through tutors, accommodations, or mentors who can guide him. Help him to break tasks into manageable steps and to seek help without shame. Remind him that his worth is not in his grades but in You, his Creator and Redeemer.
Father, we ask for godly friendships to blossom in his life. Bring him brothers and sisters in Christ who will encourage him, pray with him, and point him to You. Let him find a community where he is known, loved, and challenged to grow in faith. If he has withdrawn, give him the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You go before him.
For his ADHD, we pray for supernatural focus and discipline. Show him practical ways to manage his challenges, and let him see this not as a limitation but as an opportunity to rely on Your strength. Help him to develop habits that honor You and steward his time well.
Most of all, Lord, we pray that his heart would be turned toward You in this season. If he does not yet know You as his Savior, we ask that You would draw him to Yourself. Soften his heart to receive Your love and truth. If he has strayed, bring him back in repentance and renewal. Let this time of struggle be a refining fire that deepens his dependence on You.
We rebuke the spirits of loneliness, failure, and despair in the name of Jesus Christ. These lies have no place in the life of Your child. Replace them with Your truth, Your hope, and Your unshakable love.
Finally, we pray for his mother—give her peace as she trusts her son into Your hands. Help her to encourage him without enabling, to pray for him without anxiety, and to rest in Your sovereignty over his life.
We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our hope and strength. Amen.