“{Epaphras is} always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers.” (Colossians 4:12)
Prayer is work. Epaphras was a laborer on behalf of the church at Colossae by praying. His prayers were effective work in the kingdom and a blessing to that congregation. Even when Epaphras was many miles away in the distant city of Rome, he had fellowship with the saints and their efforts in the city of Colossae.
There is power in prayer, but it is a strength that must be mined for with effort. We must be earnest laborers if we seek to affect the world by prayer. If you thought of prayer like a job, how would it change your habits?
A job has some consistency to the hours – does your prayer time have that?
A job has specific goals and focus – do your prayers have goals?
A job requires preparation and forethought – do you keep a list of things to pray about? A list of gratitude and a list of petition? Have you considered reviewing your petition list to see what needs to be moved to the gratitude list?
These things may sound like a lot of work, and maybe they are… but it’s the best kind of work to be an earnest laborer in the fellowship of the Lord. Not sure how to contribute to the kingdom? Everyone can pray – it’s good work.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites