wrestling in prayer

What do I believe about prayer?  For most of us, the answer to that question can be found in the amount of time and energy we invest in prayer.  I suspect that most of us greatly under-believe in the power and priority of prayer.

Paul says this to the believers in Colossae:  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Col 4:2).  I looked up the definition of the greek word that was translated as devote.  It means to continue steadfastly, to persevere and not be faint, to give unremitting care.  That speaks to me about the time I should be investing in prayer.  God wants me to be continually dependent on Him, watching for His guidance, thankful for His presence.

But it is another verse in Colossians 4 that really got my attention.  In verse 12 Paul describes his friend Epaphras like this:  He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Wrestling in prayer.  That speaks to the energy of prayer, the intensity.  Again, I looked up the word.  It means to contend with adversaries, to fight; to struggle with difficulties and dangers; to endeavor with strenuous zeal, to strive, to obtain something.  Prayer is real spiritual work.  It is how I engage in the spiritual battle that rages over human souls.  I am contending with an enemy, and I am striving to obtain something, all through prayer.  Epaphras prayed like this for the young church in his home town.  What he was striving to obtain was the maturing of their faith.  

Do I care enough for my family and my friends to pray like that?  And do I believe that it makes a difference?  I really want to!  I'm signing off now.  I have some wrestling to do.