Epaphras who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:12
There are many things we think another should be, or do, but safe and effective prayers are aligned closely to ones already spoken/written for us in scripture. It is always right to believe for others to conform to the image of Christ, to grow up into Him in all things.
Our problem comes in with our perceptions held by seeing with the natural eye. Without bringing these first before the Father for right judgments we are again presumptuous in our prayers, assuming what we ‘see’ is what needs to be prayed. While external displays are indicators of internal workings, we can still misjudge what God is touching in someones heart.
We can’t lean into prayer when there is no grace. So again, right praying; effective prayers, begin with our alignment with His will. We are going with Him into His work.
Epaphras labours: (75 agōnízomai (from 73/agōn, "conflict/struggle," the root of the English term, "agonize") – properly, to struggle, like when engaged in an intense athletic contest or warfare (Souter). Epaphras labours in prayer.
Many times our labours are ‘counsel’ rather than prayers. Early in our pastoral ministry, David and I spent more time counselling people through their circumstances than praying them through. We ended up carrying burdens that were beyond the grace to carry. While we gave sound counsel, it wasn’t always received or implemented.
Only God can work these things in and through us and that simply requires prayer. Is any afflicted? Let them pray. Sometimes our brothers greatest need is for help labouring in prayer. Often, what we want is not what we actually need.
Nothing changes until there is a receptive and willing heart and that simply takes time before the Lord to break up our fallow ground. Meanwhile our job for one another is to labour until the hearts are receptive so the Lord can sow righteousness into them. Labour for open ears that are dull of hearing. Labour for eyes to see where they have been blinded by the God of this world. Lies and deceptions and strongholds can only be broken through revelation. Again, so much of our labouring is to help people come to a place of receiving the word God is doing their lives.
God is long-suffering, not willing for any to perish! As we join with Him in our labours we do not become weary in well doing. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. As we learn of Him, his ways, we enter into a rest of soul while we labour; understanding God is the one doing His work, using our abounding labours and thankful prayers.