Devoted, Wrestling Prayer

1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains…Epaphras,…He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Colossians 4:2, 3, 12

Living on mission with Jesus is a battle against the spiritual forces of darkness. We wrestle in prayer, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. The enemy of our souls opposes the glory of God and the mission of God. Paul’s prayer was for open doors for the gospel, not for himself. Even in prison chains, Paul’s writings and intercession were advancing the gospel.

Are we agreeing with the lies of the enemy, or the Lord of the harvest?

Are we wrestling in prayer, or are we waiting in fear?

In devoted prayer, we set aside time and energy to listen to the Lord and join the “wrestling in prayer” for the advance of the gospel.

Will we devote ourselves to prayer?

“Lord Jesus, teach me to pray, for your glory.”