(Keep Striving In Your Prayers For Other People)
TO THE BIBLE: Colossians 4:12
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
LET’S TALK
The phrase translated “labouring fervently” in the scripture above is “agōnizomai” (Greek) from where we get the word “agonise.”
In fact, the first synonym of this word is “to fight”; it also means to struggle or contend with an adversary. The same word is what’s in 1 Timothy 6:12 which says, “Fight the good fight of faith….”
Now, Paul, by the Spirit, tells the Christians in Colossae that Epaphras was always “fighting” for them in prayers. He contended with satanic forces on their behalf.
That’s part of what you do in interceding for others. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 TLB says, “If the Good News we preach is hidden to anyone, it is hidden from the one who is on the road to eternal death.
Satan, who is the god of this evil world, has made him blind, unable to see the glorious light of the Gospel that is shining upon him or to understand the amazing message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is God.” Here, we see why we must “fight” in prayer for the souls of men and women around the world.
Perhaps you’ve got some family members and loved ones, friends and neighbours you’ve been sharing the Gospel with, and they’ve refused to listen or be saved; God’s Word shows what the real problem is: Satan—the “god of this evil world”—has blinded their minds!
For such people, you must contend for their souls in prayer; you “agonise” in intercession for them.
You declare, “In the Name of the Lord Jesus, you evil spirit of darkness that has blinded their minds, I break your influence over them!”
But you see, you don’t stop there; you continue in intercession; it’s called prevailing in prayer. You fight in prayer over their minds, that their hearts become open to the Lord, and that they are guided to the Word of God, in the Name of Jesus.
You pray that the light of the glorious Gospel shines in their hearts, and they embrace the grace of God for their salvation; the presence of God mantles their hearts and God’s Word prevails in their lives. Hallelujah!
Pray like this for your friends or family members who aren’t yet born again, and you’ll be amazed at the result. Praise God!
Go Deeper
Colossians 4:12 GNB; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; Galatians 4:19
Pray:
Blessed Lord, I pray that the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ would shine in the hearts of many today who are yet to receive salvation, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Matthew 26:1-30, Exodus 32-33
TWO YEAR
Matthew 13:1-9, Genesis 38
Act:
Pray for those you know aren’t saved around you, as described above.