CoJourners: Learning to Share Your FaithExemplo

Wrestling Match

New believers need your prayers. They lack the inner strength and insight that comes with maturity, leaving them vulnerable to external pressures and struggles in the Christian life.

Paul prayed continually for the new believers he knew (1 Thessalonians 1:2). He even prayed for others he had never met, such as the believers in Colossae (Colossians 2:1-2). A co-worker named Epaphras joined Paul by “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12).

Too often our prayers sound more like a grocery list than a wrestling match. We are busy listing our desires rather than struggling on behalf of others’ spiritual well being. Perhaps that’s because we fail to recognize the struggle that others experience or the power of prayer to make a difference.

Thought: Spiritual wrestling begins on your knees. 

Take a Step: Add new believers to your prayer list, recognizing the battle they face. Pray through Colossians 1:9-12 on their behalf. Other passages to use include Ephesians 1:15-19; 3:14-21; Philippians 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13.