We hear your heart, dear sister or brother in Christ, as you lift up this concern for your son. The struggle of establishing healthy rhythms, especially in sleep, is one many parents face, and it is right to bring this before the Lord. We know that discipline and order in our daily lives reflect the order God has established in creation—He set the sun and moon to mark time, and He calls us to steward our bodies and habits well. "Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved" (Psalm 127:1-2 WEB). While we trust God to give sleep, we also recognize that He calls us to wisdom in how we live.
We must gently but firmly address the importance of discipline in this area. Late nights can lead to a cycle of fatigue, poor decision-making, and even spiritual vulnerability. "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7 WEB). If your son is old enough to make his own choices about bedtime, he must also learn to take responsibility for the consequences. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict him of the need for godly discipline and that he would respond with a willing heart. If he is younger, it is your responsibility as a parent to establish boundaries that honor God and reflect His love. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6 WEB).
Let us also consider whether there are underlying issues contributing to his struggle with sleep. Is there anxiety, rebellion, or perhaps ungodly influences—such as excessive screen time, inappropriate content, or unhealthy friendships—that are keeping him awake? The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), and he often uses subtle means to disrupt God’s order in our lives. We must be vigilant and address any spiritual or emotional strongholds that may be at work.
We stand with you in prayer, lifting your son before the throne of grace:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the Author of order and peace. You have given us the gift of sleep to restore our bodies and minds, and we ask that You would grant Your wisdom and discipline to this young man. Lord, soften his heart to receive correction and to walk in the ways You have ordained for his good. If there is rebellion, pride, or ungodly influences in his life, expose them, Lord, and break their power over him. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may desire to honor You in all things, including how he stewards his time and his body.
Father, we also lift up this parent to You. Strengthen them to stand firm in love and wisdom, setting godly boundaries and trusting You to work in their child’s heart. Give them patience, discernment, and the words to speak life and truth into this situation. May this family be a testimony of Your grace and the power of Your Word to transform lives.
We rebuke any spirit of disorder, laziness, or rebellion that may be at work in this home. We declare that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard this young man’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We speak order, discipline, and rest over him, and we thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to answer our prayers according to Your will.
In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue praying fervently for your son, trusting that God hears you. Seek wisdom from His Word and from godly counsel if needed. If this struggle persists, consider whether there are deeper issues that need to be addressed—whether spiritual, emotional, or even physical. Above all, remember that God is faithful, and He is working even when we cannot see it. "Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6 WEB). Keep pressing into Him, and trust that He will guide you and your son into His perfect will.