One of Paul’s companions during his imprisonment in Rome was Epaphras from Colosse. He had been instrumental in bringing the Gospel of God’s grace to his hometown and in updating Paul about the believers there. Moved by this report, Paul wrote an epistle to the Colossians, in which he affectionately mentions Epaphras. Paul stated the following about this great servant of Christ:
Colossians 4:12-13. Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
The New Testament clearly teaches that followers of Christ are to serve one another in love. Yet, like Epaphras, we may at times find our ability to serve limited by our circumstances. Though he longed to minister to the Colossians, Epaphras was confined in Rome and lacked the means of communication we enjoy today. Nevertheless, he found one of the most powerful ways to serve, by “laboring earnestly for you in his prayers.” Each of us have some spiritual gifting enabling us to serve and we also have limitations, however every one of us can effectively serve like Epaphras did with intercessory prayer.
Paul recorded one such prayer at the beginning of Colossians—one that we can echo for every believer and for all the churches.
Colossians 1:9-12. …we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
The truths expressed in this prayer are beneficial for everyone we pray for, at all times. Therefore, a careful study of it will help us understand and apply its principles in our own prayers for others.
The prayer displays a clear and beautiful progression, expressing two main desired outcomes: first, “that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects” and second, “attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father.” The prayer is artfully structured around three sets of threes:
- Filled with the knowledge of His will; All spiritual wisdom; All spiritual understanding
- Bearing fruit in every good work; Increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all power
- All steadfastness; Patience; Joyously giving thanks to the Father With these considerations we will look more closely at the verses.
9. For this reason, also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
We have not ceased to pray – Paul’s faith and steadfastness to pray is a challenging example for us to emulate. The Greek word for filled is plēroō meaning to bring to full measure, being completely filled up, saturated with, permeated or influenced by something.
We ask that the person be filled to capacity with knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Everyone we know would benefit from such a request.
Knowledge is gained from the Scriptures and direct revelation. The Greek word translated knowledge is epignosis that refers to knowing in a personal, experiential and transformative way. It emphasizes not just intellectual knowledge but relational and practical knowledge that inspires a deep connection with God.
Spiritual Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. We gain wisdom when we seek it from God. Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
James 1:5 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Understanding comes from the Greek word sunesis which means running together like tributaries into a river; thus, it refers to a mental grasp or comprehension. It means being thoroughly familiar with something and apprehending its character, nature, or subtleties.
10-11. so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might…
Walk in a Manner Worthy of the Lord – The Greek word translated worthy is axiōs, which highlights that a believer’s daily life should align with Christ’s lordship, our new identity in Him, and a growing, fruitful life that reflects God’s character. Picture a scale: on one side is the gospel and Christ’s lordship, and on the other is your life. To walk axiōs means keeping the balance—making sure your actions, attitudes, and choices measure up to what God has accomplished for you in Christ.
To please Him in all respects means living in such a way that every part of life brings delight to the Lord. Not just outward actions, but motives and heart. Not just certain religious duties, but every area of conduct. It implies comprehensive obedience and devotion — no divided loyalties.
Knowledge, wisdom and understanding prepare us to live in a manner appropriate for the Lord to please Him in all respects. As we live to please Him we will 1) bear fruit in every good work, 2) increase in the knowledge of God, 3) strengthened with all power. All this happens according to God’s glorious might.
11-12. strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
We want all of God’s children to stand faithful throughout life so we pray for the attaining of all steadfastness, patience and joy as we give thanks to the Father who qualified us to share in the inheritance promised when Christ returns.
Eight concepts to include in prayers for others:
- Filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding
- Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord
- Please Him in all respects
- Bear fruit in every good work
- Increase in the knowledge of God
- Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might
- Attaining of all steadfastness and patience
- Joyously giving thanks to the father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light
Many thanks to the author. This amplified the importance of prayer and what to pray. Connecting Epaphras and his circumstances and breaking down the components of the prayer was so impactful. Wow
This is a great breakdown of the importance of prayer and the details of what to prayer for. The insight is confirmation and revealing at the same time.
Vince, thank you for your encouraging blog, “An Effective Way To Serve.” It reminded me that I can serve through praying for others in my community and using what I am able to bless them. Epaphras had limited opportunities and lacked the communication we enjoy today, yet he labored earnestly in prayer. As Christians, we are called to pray for our churches, those in need, and our entire nation. This message truly inspires me.