“Prayer warriors” are those who engage in prayer for others and the things going on in their life. Even without knowing all the details, prayer can be made on behalf of others as we are lifting them up to the One Who is well aware of all the details and the help that might be needed. Despite not knowing the full details themselves, “prayer warriors” pray anyway, continuing steadfastly in prayer. And the struggle as a “warrior” can be real as the emotions of concern and longing and hoping touch the heart deeply.
In his letter to the Christians at Colossae, Paul noted such a “prayer warrior” where we read. . .
“(12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” (Colossians 4:12 ESV)
The Greek word translated “struggling” is “agonizomai”, meaning “compete, fight, struggle, with an emphasis on effort”. It is the word from which we get the English “agonize”. This characterized the praying done by Epaphras. Perhaps we can visualize him rocking back and forth on his knees with clenched hands as he prayed. Or maybe we can picture him tossing on his bed at night, pouring out his heart in prayer on behalf of those at Colossae. In his love for them and the earnest desire for their continued spiritual progress, he struggled in prayer on their behalf.
In his letter to Christians at Rome, note what Paul himself requested where we read. . .
“(30) I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, (31) that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, (32) so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. (33) May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 15:30-33 ESV)
The word translated “strive together” is “sunagonizomai”, with “sun” meaning “with”, and so could be literally “striving with”. Paul was calling on those “prayer warriors” to struggle or strive together in prayer on his behalf.
In view of the real struggles of life, “prayer warriors” will struggle in prayer on behalf of others. Let us remain continuing in prayer for one another. Let us be steadfast in prayer. As life’s struggles are real, the struggle becomes ours because we care as we lift our petitions to the One Who also truly cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Even when we do not know the full details, as “prayer warriors” keep praying anyway, knowing we are praying to the One Who knows the full situation and has the power to fulfill His greatest good on behalf of all who seek Him! May we courageously press on as we continue carrying life’s cares to the One Who cares!
Have a great day PRESSING ON IN PRAYER!
Carl
