The Ministry of Intercession

“Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.” Colossians 4:12-13

It might be said that we need role models in life. For a child growing up, it should be dad or a godly person. Our problem today is - role models who don’t fit the role. When we think of a role model for intercessors, the clear choice is Epaphras, Paul’s dedicated coworker who prayed with great fervor for the Colossian people. His strategy is a proven model that will work in any age. Epaphras always prayed for the Colossian church.

An intercessor must persevere as he or she allows the Lord to pray through them His concerns for others. Prayers may not be answered within our urgent framework but according to God’s timing. When you intercede for someone, keep on praying until you see the need met.

Epaphras labored in his intercession. Prayer for others is hard work; it does not come naturally; it can seem toilsome. But wouldn’t you want someone else to labor in prayer on your behalf? His purpose in intercession was that the Colossians “may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12). The intercessor must make the will of God for others his chief pursuit.

Do you want to be used by God? Then pray for one another and watch God work.

“For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers...” Philippians 1:19