We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up these young students who are struggling with defiance and engagement in their learning. Father God, we know that every child is a precious gift from You, fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image (Psalm 139:14). Yet we see the enemy at work in their lives, seeking to steal, kill, and destroy their potential through rebellion, disrespect, and unkind words (John 10:10).
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of defiance in the name of Jesus Christ. We declare that these children are not slaves to sin or to the enemy’s schemes, but they are set free by the blood of Jesus (Romans 6:6-7). We pray that You would break every chain of disobedience, every root of bitterness, and every lie that tells them they do not need to respect authority or engage in what is good and right. Your Word tells us that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from them (Proverbs 22:15). We ask for wisdom for their parents, teachers, and mentors to discipline them in love, not in anger, so that they may grow in wisdom and favor with You and with man (Proverbs 3:11-12).
We also lift up the child who has been speaking mean and hurtful words. Lord, You have said that the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21), and we know that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). We ask that You would soften this child’s heart and fill it with Your love, kindness, and self-control. Help them to see the impact of their words and to use their speech to build others up, not tear them down (Ephesians 4:29). We rebuke the spirit of cruelty and pride, and we pray that this child would come to know the humility of Christ, who did not retaliate when He was reviled but entrusted Himself to You (1 Peter 2:23).
Father, we pray for these students to encounter You in a real and personal way. Draw them to Yourself, Lord, for there is no other name under heaven by which they can be saved (Acts 4:12). We ask that You would open their eyes to see the emptiness of rebellion and the joy of walking in Your ways. Surround them with godly influences—teachers, friends, and family members—who will point them to Christ and model the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
We also pray for their families, Lord. Give their parents and guardians the strength, patience, and wisdom to guide them with grace and truth. Help them to model Christ-like behavior in their homes and to create an environment where these children can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and academically. Remind them that their labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), and that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
Lastly, Lord, we ask that You would protect these children from the schemes of the enemy. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7), and let no weapon formed against them prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We declare that they are more than conquerors through Him who loved them (Romans 8:37), and we pray that they would grow into young men and women of God who walk in righteousness, love, and truth.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.