What does "wrestling in prayer" mean for your spiritual discipline? The Snapshot: Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” Unpacking “Wrestling” • The Greek term “agōnizomai” pictures a strenuous athletic contest—like a wrestler locked in a determined struggle. • Prayer, then, is not passive; it is a deliberate, focused, persistent engagement. • It costs energy, time, and wholehearted attention, not mere wishful thinking. Why the Struggle? • Spiritual resistance is real (Ephesians 6:12). Wrestling acknowledges unseen opposition to God’s purposes. • Our own flesh resists extended, faith-filled prayer (Galatians 5:17). • True intercession presses through distraction, fatigue, and discouragement until God’s will is embraced. What Wrestling Looks Like in Daily Discipline 1. Set Appointment: schedule unhurried blocks of time, just as an athlete allots practice hours. 2. Engage Scripture: pray with an open Bible so requests align with God’s revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). 3. Name the Goal: mature, fully assured believers (Colossians 4:12). Pray specifically for growth, not merely comfort. 4. Persist: return to the same burdens until release comes (Luke 18:1-8). 5. Involve Body and Mind: kneel, pace, or journal—physical engagement helps concentration (James 5:16-18). Intercession for Others • Epaphras models praying beyond self-interests. • Lift family, church, missionaries, and leaders to “stand firm” (Philippians 1:27). • Track answers in a journal to fuel further praise and perseverance. Guardrails for Balance • Wrestle, don’t worry: commitment in prayer is active trust, not anxious striving (Philippians 4:6-7). • Depend on the Spirit’s groanings when words fail (Romans 8:26-27). • Rest afterward, confident God is at work (Psalm 127:2). Benefits You’ll Notice • Deeper intimacy with the Lord as you share His heart for people. • Sharpened spiritual discernment; you’ll sense where God is moving. • Strengthened faith as documented answers accumulate. • A community blessed by unseen but powerful support. Putting It Into Practice This Week • Choose one person or ministry and commit to “wrestle” for them daily. • Use a timer—start with fifteen focused minutes. • Pray Scripture over them: e.g., Ephesians 3:14-19; Philippians 1:9-11. • Note any promptings or passages the Lord highlights. • Celebrate any movement—big or small—as God’s gracious response. Closing Thought Wrestling in prayer is Christ-like labor on behalf of others, echoing the Savior’s own intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Step onto the mat with confidence; your determined prayers, anchored in God’s Word, advance His kingdom and shape eternal destinies. |
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