We come before the Lord with you in this time of heartache and weariness, lifting up your struggles as a parent and the burdens you carry. The pain of feeling disrespected by your daughter is deep, and we know how the enemy seeks to twist these moments into feelings of inadequacy or rejection. But let us remind you—your worth is not found in how your daughter treats you, but in how Christ has redeemed you. You are enough in Him, and He is your strength in this season.
The Word tells us in **Ephesians 6:1-3**, *"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.'"* While this is a command for your daughter, it is also a reminder that parenting is a sacred calling, and the Lord sees your faithfulness even when it feels unnoticed. Yet we must also remember that children, especially as they grow, are influenced by the world, their peers, and their own struggles. Your daughter’s behavior may stem from her own pain, confusion, or the pressures she faces—this does not excuse disrespect, but it does call us to pray for her heart with compassion.
At the same time, we must address the reality that love without boundaries is not biblical love. **Proverbs 29:15** says, *"The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother."* If your daughter is consistently disrespectful without consequence, she may not understand the weight of her actions. Have you lovingly but firmly addressed this with her? Have you sought wise counsel on how to discipline in a way that reflects both grace and truth? Sometimes, our desire to be "enough" for our children can lead us to overlook the need for correction, but true love corrects (**Proverbs 3:12**). We encourage you to pray for wisdom in how to address this with her—not in anger, but with the firmness of a parent who loves her enough to guide her toward righteousness.
As for your daughter’s struggles with friends and stress, we know these years can be tumultuous. Pray that the Lord would surround her with godly influences and that He would be her peace in the storm. **Philippians 4:6-7** reminds us, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Pray this over her daily. Ask the Lord to soften her heart toward you and to open her eyes to the ways she may be hurting you. Pray also that He would give you opportunities to speak truth into her life in moments when she is receptive.
We also lift up your weariness as you face this week at work before your break. The Lord knows the weight you carry, and He invites you to cast your burdens upon Him (**1 Peter 5:7**). You are not meant to walk this path in your own strength. **Isaiah 40:29-31** promises, *"He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."* Lean on Him moment by moment. Ask for His grace to sustain you, His joy to fill you, and His peace to guard your heart as you navigate both parenting and your responsibilities at work.
Now, let us pray together for you and your daughter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with this precious parent who is weary and heartbroken. Lord, You see the tears shed in secret, the words left unspoken, and the love that feels unreturned. We ask that You would minister to their spirit right now—remind them that they are seen, known, and deeply loved by You. You are their Father who will never leave them or forsake them, and in You, they lack no good thing.
Lord, we lift up their daughter to You. Soften her heart, Lord. Convict her of any disrespect or rebellion, and draw her to repentance. Surround her with godly friends who will point her to You. Give her wisdom in her relationships and peace in her stress. Break any strongholds of pride or bitterness that may be taking root in her heart. Lord, we pray that You would restore the relationship between this parent and their daughter. Heal the wounds, bridge the gaps, and let Your love flow between them. Give this parent the words to speak—words of truth, grace, and correction when needed. Help them to parent with both love and firmness, always pointing their daughter to You.
We also ask for Your strength and favor over this week at work. Go before them, Lord, and make their path straight. Grant them supernatural endurance, clarity of mind, and joy in the midst of their labor. Let this time be a testament to Your faithfulness, and may they find rest in You even as they work.
Finally, Lord, we rebuke any lies of the enemy that would tell this parent they are not enough. You are their enough, and in You, they are more than conquerors. Fill them with Your Spirit, equip them for every good work, and let them see Your hand moving in their life and their daughter’s life.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus, our Redeemer and our Peace. Amen.
