Rhapsody of Realities August 2nd 2025, A LESSON FROM EPAPHRAS

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Colossians 4:12).

Epaphras wasn’t a pastor, prophet, apostle, or deacon; yet he had this remarkable testimony as one who always laboured fervently in prayers for the saints. The phrase “labouring fervently” is translated from the Greek word “agōnizomai,” which means to strive, struggle, or contend, particularly in the face of opposition.

This is the same word used in 1 Timothy 6:12, which says, “Fight the good fight of faith….” It gives us an idea about prayer as a warfare, a fight. Epaphras was “fighting” in the spirit, contending for the saints to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

This kind of prayer is intense and unwavering. It’s not about asking God for material things but standing in the gap for others, ensuring they remain firm in God’s purpose for their lives. Have you ever prayed like that? Have you fought in prayers for Christians in your church, your city and your nation?

You can’t be a true soul winner without this kind of dedication in prayer. It requires persistence, fervency and deep passion. This is where the evangelicals of old got the expression “prayer warriors” from; this kind of prayer is a battle for the souls of men.

Like Epaphras, be that “warrior” in prayer who ensures that others stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Even right now, pray earnestly for fellow Christians in your church, city, and around the world, especially those facing trials, opposition, or struggles in their walk of faith; that they may be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in their inner man.

Declare that they are rooted and established in God’s truth, unwavering in their commitment to the Gospel, and empowered to rise above every difficulty as they walk in victory, faith, and boldness. If you pray for them this way, consistently, they’ll surely stand firm and immovable, abounding in the work of the Lord. Hallelujah!

PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray right now for Christians around the world, especially those who are facing challenges and persecutions as a result of their faith in Christ; they stand perfect and complete in all your will, and their love for you grows stronger by the day. Their convictions remain unshaken, and they fulfil their divine destiny with joy and perseverance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY
‭‭Colossians 4:12-13 AMPC
Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God. 13 For I bear him testimony that he has labored hard in your behalf and for [the believers] in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV‬
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

James 5:16 AMPC
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS:

In me abides all the grace, wisdom, prosperity, strength and courage I need to fulfill my glorious destiny in Christ! I walk in wisdom and discernment, always knowing the steps to take as I fulfil my destiny in Christ, equipped and empowered to bring hope, healing, and deliverance to those around me. I am an oasis of love and a haven of peace, joy, hope and faith in a troubled world. God’s Word is established in my life and it is evident for the world to see. I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all principality and power, far above the devil and his minions, and far above sickness and disease. I live the glorious life of God who is above all and cannot be brought down by anything.

Good health, success, and prosperity are the hallmarks of my daily life. I enjoy life to the full always, to the glory of God the Father. I walk in supernatural strength, supernatural health, supernatural supply, and supernatural abilities every day. I am making progress with giant strides as I fulfill the ministry and destiny that God has for me. I unleash health, prosperity, and victory in my life. I walk in victory and dominion over Satan, as well as the world and its systems. Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. I am born of God; therefore, I have overcome the world. It makes no difference the difficulties that may come my way, I am victorious in all things.

I belong to Christ and I am Abraham’s seed and an heir according to the promise! I affirm that I’m filled with the fullness of God, loaded with all the power, glory, might, and grace of divinity! My words are backed with the power to alter situations and every word I speak comes to pass. I speak life to my bones, health to my organs, and agelessness to my body. I have been positioned for the glory-life, and I have in me everything I need to excel and live in perpetual health and victory on earth to the glory of God. I’m lifted above this world, its deterioration and the decadence, and I continually abide in the realm of life and glory that God planned for me from the foundation of the world in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Speak in tongues.