Struggling in 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)

Earlier in Colossians, Epaphras is introduced as a “beloved fellow servant” and “faithful minister of Christ” (1:7), and in Philemon he’s described as a “fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus” who sends greetings. This gives us a glimpse into his character. Epaphras was a man who valued connection with others and who faithfully prayed for them. What an incredible testimony of Christlike qualities!

Notice the focus of his prayers for the Colossian believers: that they would stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. What a beautiful prayer to lift up for anyone, especially knowing it aligns with God’s heart and will.

Paul doesn’t just commend Epaphras for praying, but for how he prayed “struggling” earnestly in prayer and laboring with genuine love for others. This wasn’t shallow effort or duty-driven prayer; it was fueled by agape love and devotion to Christ. His ministry came not from self-promotion or the desire to be seen, but from time spent in God’s presence, being shaped into the likeness of Jesus.

It’s worth asking: if someone were to write a letter describing you, what would they say? Do you faithfully serve, minister, and pray with this kind of depth? May we, like Epaphras, be known as those who love deeply, serve diligently, and pray fervently…shining the light of Christ as we are daily molded by Him.