“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”—Colossians 4:12.

Prayer can be hard work.

A few years ago, I was part of a group of people who had gathered to pray. We were taking turns talking to God. One of the first ladies to pray really opened up her heart to God. She had some deep concerns about people close to her, and she got a bit emotional as she interceded on their behalf. Then it was a married couple’s turn to pray. They too became tearful as they lifted people up to the Lord and asked for his help.

By the time it was my turn to pray, I was a wreck. I hadn’t noticed how much the ministry had taken out of me at that time. I didn’t know there was so little left in the tank.

I started to pray, but I too became emotional. Each phrase became more and more difficult to utter. Finally, I stopped trying to say anything and gave in to the sobbing.

The prayer group surrounded me and we all cried out to the Lord together.

I don’t know how long this lasted, but it was exhausting. One spiritually mature lady was finally able to wrap up our prayers, and we went home, tired from our work.

I do not by any means claim to be in Epaphras territory, but I do know that prayer can be hard work. If you don’t agree, maybe you haven’t really tried it.