May 9, 2021
Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you… since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant… 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. Colossians 1:5b, 6a, 4:12 ESV
When we undergird our teaching of the Gospel (and all of Scripture) with ongoing prayer, the combination is unbeatable. Our prayers invoke the working of the Holy Spirit in the minds and hearts of those we disciple. As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians, he notes that this same Epaphras who shared the gospel with them continues to struggle (“wrestle” in other translations of the Bible) in prayer on their behalf. Pause and picture in your mind someone who has wrestled in prayer for you. For me, it was my maternal grandmother. Her witness of the Gospel and ongoing prayers demonstrated Christlike care and concern for my wellbeing—for which I am eternally grateful.
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, but even more so those who also bring their prayers before the throne room of the One who is our good news.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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