Near the end of Romans, Paul beseeches his brothers and sisters in Christ to “strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30). The Greek word for “strive” is agonizomai, from which we get our English word, agonize. It was often used to describe the very intense, vigorous striving of two wrestlers pitted against each other in ancient sporting events. Sometimes, these wrestling matches were to the death; other times, the command was given to have the eyes of the loser gouged out, to ensure that the struggle would be as fierce and unrestrained as possible and therefore more “exciting” to the spectators.

 

The Bible also speaks of prayer as one of “the weapons of our warfare,” which are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (II Corinthians 10:4).

 

If you are a child of God, this world is not your home. You live in a foreign, alien environment, and are at war with "the god of this world,” Satan (II Corinthians 4:6). You are a soldier behind enemy lines. Prayer is one of your most potent weapons, if you have the faith to wield it!

 

We beseech YOU to exercise this great privilege God has given you, and have the eternal impact you should, by striving together with us in serious, warfare prayer.