<p>2:1- see on Rom. 9:3.</p><p><i>For I would have you know how greatly I strive for you and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh</i>- This striving for others is in the power of the Lord&rsquo;s spirit, as explained in the preceding verse (1:29). His mental effort for those he had never met was and is inspirational. Paul's conflict or struggle was in prayer; for true prayer is a struggle, not a mental muttering of a few thoughts as we drift off to sleep at night, just as Jacob's struggle with the Angel is interpreted as a wrestling with God in prayer (Hos. 12:4). Paul's attitude in prayer spread to Epaphras, who did the same (Col. 4:12)- attitudes to prayer are catching, just as the disciples asked to be taught to pray after observing the Lord Jesus in prayer. But the idea of striving in prayer is continuing the figure of Col. 1:29, where Paul says he strives &quot;according to His working which works in me mightily&quot;. This explains why at times we feel moved to pray for situations; we can of course refuse to allow God's work to work in us, but if we are in touch with Him, walking in step with the Spirit, then we will be open to His promptings to pray for situations.</p><p>Appreciating that prayer is so much &quot;in the spirit&quot;, we can better grasp why prayer is portrayed as a struggle. Moab would pray in the time of his judgment; &quot;but he shall not prevail&quot; (Is. 16:12), as if the prayer process was a struggle. Jacob, by contrast, struggled with the Angel in prayer and prevailed (Hos. 12:2-4). The Romans were to strive together with Paul in prayer (Rom. 15:30); the Lord's prayers in Gethsemane were a resisting / struggling unto the point of sweating blood (Heb. 12:2). &quot;I would that ye knew what great conflict I have RV &lsquo;how greatly I strive / struggle&rsquo; for you... that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding&quot; is parallel to &quot;We do not cease to pray for you... that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding&quot; (Col. 2:1 cp. 1:9,10). Paul's conflict / struggle for them was his prayer for them. Epaphras likewise was &ldquo;always striving for you in his prayers&rdquo; (Col. 4:12 RV).</p>