How can we actively "ask the Lord of the harvest" in our prayers? The Heart Behind the Command “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” (Matthew 9:37-38) • Jesus’ words flow out of His compassion for “harassed and helpless” crowds (9:36). • “Ask” is present imperative: keep on pleading, not a one-time request. • Our praying joins Christ’s own concern and aligns us with His mission. Aligning Our Prayers with the Lord’s Priorities 1. Worship first • Acknowledge Him as “Lord of the harvest” (Psalm 24:1; Revelation 5:12). • Celebrate that the harvest belongs to Him; He alone gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). 2. See what He sees • Ask for eyes to recognize ripe fields (John 4:35). • Pray to feel His compassion for the lost (Romans 9:2-3). Specific Requests to Bring Daily • Send more laborers – Name nations, cities, schools, workplaces. – Include pastors, missionaries, church planters, Bible translators, campus workers. – Luke 10:2 repeats the same call. • Prepare receptive hearts – Pray for conviction of sin and hunger for truth (John 16:8; Acts 16:14). – Ask that Satan’s blinders be lifted (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Empower the message – Boldness and clarity for those who speak (Ephesians 6:19-20; Colossians 4:3-4). – Accompanying signs of God’s kingdom—transformed lives, mercy, justice (Acts 4:29-30). Offering Ourselves Along with Our Words • Present your body as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Say with Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). • Hold time, talents, and resources loosely so He can deploy them where needed. Praying in Partnership • Agree with others—family, small group, church (Matthew 18:19). • Fast when led—early church leaders did so before sending workers (Acts 13:2-3). • Keep a harvest journal: write names, places, answered prayers. Staying Expectant and Grateful • Watch for open doors and divine appointments (1 Corinthians 16:9). • Thank God for every new worker and every soul saved (Psalm 107:1-3). • Trust that He “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:3-4) and will finish what He starts. Putting It into Practice This Week 1. Set a daily reminder at 9:38 a.m. or p.m. to pray Matthew 9:38. 2. Choose one unreached people group or local neighborhood to intercede for by name. 3. Adopt a missionary or ministry; ask specifically for boldness and fruit. 4. Invite God to use you today—at the store, in class, on a video call—to bear witness. 5. Record answers and share them, fueling more faith-filled asking. Keep asking, keep watching. The Lord of the harvest delights to answer. |
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