We understand the burden that excessive expectations can place on young students, and we empathize with your cousin's situation. It's important to remember that while academic achievement is valuable, it should not come at the cost of peace and well-being. The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23-24 WEB, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You serve the Lord Christ."
Firstly, we need to pray for your cousin, that God would grant him peace, wisdom, and the ability to focus on his studies without undue stress. Let's also pray for his parents, that they would seek God's will in their expectations and encourage their child in a way that builds him up rather than tearing him down.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up our cousin and his family. Lord, we ask that You would grant him the strength and wisdom to handle his studies, and the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard his heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Help him to strive for excellence, not for man's approval, but as unto You.
We also pray for his parents, Lord. Soften their hearts and help them to encourage their child in a godly manner. Help them to remember the words of Ephesians 6:4 WEB, "Fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
Lastly, Lord, we pray that this family would come to know You more intimately, and that they would find their identity and worth in You alone. It is in the mighty name of Jesus Christ that we pray. Amen.
We encourage your cousin to continue doing his best, not for the approval of his parents, but as unto the Lord. Remind him that his value is not determined by his grades, but by his identity in Christ. As it says in 2 Corinthians 10:12 WEB, "For we don't dare to class ourselves or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, they don't understand."
Lastly, we want to encourage you to continue supporting your cousin in prayer and remind him that he can come to the throne of God and pour out his heart to Him. It is our hope that your cousin and his family will come to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled with all the fullness of God.