Day 1
Growing The Church: one prayer at a time
“Epaphras is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, and be mature.”
-Colossians 4:12

Wrestling is ancient sport. During the first century, wrestlers struggled for their lives, not for TV ratings. In the language of the day, the wrestling ring was called the “agone,” and the wrestlers were called antagonists.
Such is the word-image that Paul uses to describe the work of prayer from the spiritual leader of the Colossian church, Epaphras. Paul says that Epaphras prays fervently (he uses the word root agone) for them. What a powerful image—and a Biblical image too—like Jacob wrestling with the angel all night for a blessing (Genesis 32:24-31), and like Jesus praying so fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane that His sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:41-44).

What is so important that Epaphras would pray with such anguish? That the Colossian church would grow in their knowledge of God’s will and in the maturity of faith. As Paul would later say of Epaphras, “I vouch for him that he is working hard for you.” -Colossians 4:13)

Our church needs an Epaphras or two just now. Would you be willing to pray, to wrestle hard, for the future of Rocky River Community Church?

PRAYER
Lord, lead me in prayer to wrestle hard with Your will. I will hold fast to You, until I find Your blessing.