Good morning. I would like to share a thought today on the substance of prayer. Please note that I am referring to prayer’s “substance”. What I mean is that we should consider occasionally the models of prayer that are shared with us in the New Testament not only for their words, but also for their tenacity.
An excellent case in point is the reference of Paul to a fellow believer named Epaphras who understood his niche in ministry to be fervent prayer:
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Colossians 4:12-13
I would like to point out that Paul says that this man is always struggling on your behalf in his prayers. The word that is translated in the English Standard Version as “struggling” is the Greek word agōnizomenos. The NIV translates this phrase, “He is always wrestling in prayer for you.” Struggling, or wrestling, but please note the Greek word provided. It is the word that we usually translate as the verb, “to agonize”.
Epaphras, in his ministry of prayer has “worked hard” for them, and his hard work means that he is literally agonizing over them in prayer.
That is a prayer life with substance. That is a prayer life of power. That is a prayer life that is making a difference.
My suggestion today is that we consider our personal prayer life. Are we “working hard” for others in our prayers for them? Are we willing to agonize in prayer when the prayer need is so great that a simple word or thought isn’t enough to express our heart before the Lord?
When we care deeply about the person(s) whom we are lifting up in prayer, perhaps it is time to dig a little deeper and endure sweet and purposeful agony as we pray diligently, fervently, and passionately.
Vern