Today’s Encouragement is, “Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.” Colossians 4:12 NLT
Always Prays Earnestly –
We don’t know much about Epaphras. But the Colossian church did. “You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.” Colossians 1:7 NLT. He was also in prison with Paul (Philemon 1:23).
The distinctive characteristic of this faithful believer was his prayer. Always and earnestly.
Paul urged us to “Never stop praying.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” Luke 18:1
Epaphras prayed earnestly. His heart and mind were both fully engaged in his appeal to God. The Greek word is “agōnizomai,” meaning struggling, fighting, and striving. It implies agonizing. Remember Jesus in the garden?
God doesn’t have a checklist or set of rules our prayers must follow for Him to hear and respond. He hears us; we are His dearly loved people. Whether we pray constantly or occasionally, whether it is earnest and agonizing, or brief and momentary, He hears. As Peter was sinking beneath the waves, he cried out, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30)
Father God, help us to pray always and earnestly, remembering that You are always with us, listening. Help us pray with joy, gratitude, and thankfulness in every need. Thank You for always being with us, hearing us, and loving us.
Don’t Stop Praying
Matthew West
https://youtu.be/PXJNWuJvzsE?is=6L5sE3tewj0t6nQK