Paul learned of the Church in Colosse from Epaphras. We discover this as he spoke ...of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;  who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit—Colossians 1:7,8. Take note of what Paul said of Epaphras near the conclusion of Colossians. He said, Epaphras who is one of you, a servant of Christ, who saluteth you, who is always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God—Colossians 4:12.

What a commendation of a believer who served as part of a ministry team in a local church! Seeing the brief mention of this man causes us to believe there were many faithful saints whose names we will never know this side of heaven, but who helped give birth to the powerful movement that has reached unto us today. What might happen if more men like Epaphras were on the scene today in churches across the land? It can start with someone like you beginning right where you are.

FATHER, put it within my own heart to be a person who knows what it means to labor fervently in prayer. Deliver me from being one who only cares for those who care for me. Teach me to reach beyond the circle of my own personal friends and loved ones when I pray.

One of our greatest examples of intercession for others may be seen in Daniel who identified with his people Israel and labored fervently for them in prayer.—Daniel 9:3-19