Epaphras

"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God." Colossians 4:12

I read this verse the other day and I can't get it out of my mind.  It's such a beautiful verse.  This man, Epaphras, so fervently prayed for others, that he is mentioned in God's eternal Word.  

As Christians, we often compare ourselves among ourselves, (which we shouldn't do) and we are often envious of the talents and abilities of those around us, (which we shouldn't be) and we often place praying for others on the bottom of our list of importance. (which we also shouldn't do!)   Why?

Because prayer is very important to God.

I did some digging on who Epaphras was, and this is what I learned:

"Epaphras was a Colossian whom Paul depicted as a servant of Christ Jesus who was always wrestling in prayer (as Jacob did with the angel, Genesis 32) for the Colossians. His concern was that the Colossians would stand firm in God's will, mature, and be fully assured or fulfilled.  Epaphras' prayerful concern went to the point of working hard. (to have pain or distress) Walvoord & Zuck

Guzik writes, 'Prayer is hard work, and Epaphras worked diligently at it, especially knowing the danger of false teaching in Colosse.  He was a bondservant of Christ, and prayer was an important area where he worked hard.  His prayers for others suggest heavy toil to the extent of pain."

This man prayed fervently and with all of his heart on the behalf of others!

This verse allowed me to realize that praying for someone isn't just about praying for someone. It's about fervently placing them at the feet of Jesus. Our prayer closets place people and their needs before the Throne of God.  What a privilege!

Do I fervently pray for others to the point of heavy toil and pain, or are my prayers apathetic?  Lazy?  

Lord, thank You...

     for showing me that praying on the behalf of others fervently...

        just may be the most important service of all when it comes to what we do for You...

            But that's just me!

"Prayer is the greatest power God has put into our hands for service-praying is harder than doing."

Mary Slessor

"Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work." Oswald Chambers

"Do not work so hard for Christ that you have no strength to pray, for prayer requires strength." 

J. Hudson Taylor