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Colossians 4:12 — “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.”

Epaphras provides a beautiful picture of a pastor’s hidden labor: fervent prayer. Paul commends him for always striving in prayer for his people, longing that they might stand mature and complete in God’s will. Prayer is not secondary to pastoral ministry—it is central.

Pastors labor in prayer because they know their limits. They can preach, counsel, and guide, but only God can change hearts, convict sinners, and strengthen saints. Prayer is the pastor’s acknowledgment that the work is ultimately God’s, not his own.

The word “labouring” suggests struggle, effort, even wrestling. True prayer is not casual but costly. Faithful pastors carry their people to God’s throne with tears, persistence, and earnestness. Their prayers are not vague but specific, shaped by the needs of the flock.

For the church, this truth is encouraging. Even when you are unaware, your pastor may be on his knees for you. His intercession may have spared you temptation, strengthened you in weakness, or opened doors for growth. Prayer is an unseen ministry, but its effects are eternal.

This truth also challenges the church to pray for their pastors. The man who prays for his flock needs his flock to pray for him. Pastors are not immune to temptation, discouragement, or weariness. They need intercession as much as they give it.

A prayerful pastor is a powerful pastor. His sermons carry weight, his counsel carries grace, and his leadership carries strength because they are soaked in prayer. And a praying church, supporting a praying pastor, becomes a church full of God’s power.