“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12)
Paul taught that we should pray for everyone. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1) We are to intercede for the lost and the saved. Our intercession for both should be to see them perfectly surrendered and serving God. We pray for what we don’t yet see. God would have us envision what He is able to do in any life. Jesus prayed for Peter when he was still quite immature and on the verge of an epic fall. He saw who Peter could eventually be by His help and grace. (Luke 22:31,32)
It is easy to grow weary with others, especially when they don’t change. But all true change comes from God, and change comes slowly to the best of us. We are all in desperate need of God’s help. God works through the prayers of His people who know and believe He is anyone’s only hope. Prevailing prayer must always look past weak men toward a mighty God.
Be an Epaphras, who saw who the Colossians could be through Christ in them, the hope of glory. Despite what your eyes presently see, don’t faint in prayer. Jesus ever lives to make intercession for the saints. Join with Him in this all-important work.