Epaphras

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers” (Colossians 4:12).

We are thankful for preachers, pastors, teachers, and missionaries; but we want men and women of prayer, those who minister like Epaphras. Without a spirit of fervent, agonizing, persevering prayer, no spiritual work can prosper.

The precious labors of the prayer warrior demand no special gift, no peculiar talent, and no preeminent mental abilities. A Christian may not have the ability to preach, teach, write, or travel; but every Christian can pray. What we need in the church is a real spirit of prayer, a spirit that enters into the present need of the church and bears that need up to God in persevering, fervent, believing intercession at all times, and in all circumstances.

—C.H. Mackintosh