How can we actively "ask the Lord of the harvest" in our prayers? Setting the Scene “He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.’” (Luke 10:2) Jesus speaks these words while commissioning seventy-two disciples. His command is clear, urgent, and surprisingly simple: pray. Everything that follows flows out of that single instruction. Why Our Asking Matters • The field belongs to the Lord; only He can direct the workers (Psalm 24:1). • Prayer aligns us with His heart for the lost (2 Peter 3:9). • God uses prayer to raise up and propel people, as in Acts 13:2-3, where the church’s praying leads to the sending of Paul and Barnabas. Heart Posture When We Pray • Compassion that mirrors Christ’s own (Matthew 9:36-38). • Confidence in God’s sovereignty and readiness to answer (1 John 5:14-15). • Willingness to be part of the answer ourselves (Isaiah 6:8). Practical Ways to “Ask the Lord of the Harvest” 1. Name specific places and peoples – Unreached nations, neighborhoods, campuses, workplaces. – Use a map, mission newsletter, or local demographic data. 2. Pray for laborers by role – Evangelists to proclaim (Ephesians 6:19-20). – Disciple-makers to nurture new believers (Colossians 1:28-29). – Church planters and pastors to gather and shepherd (Titus 1:5). 3. Pray for qualities in those laborers – Boldness (Acts 4:29-31). – Endurance under hardship (2 Timothy 2:3). – Spirit-filled wisdom (Acts 6:3). 4. Pray for open doors and receptive hearts – “Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word” (Colossians 4:3). – Ask that the message “spread rapidly and be honored” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). 5. Pray for yourself – Availability to speak when God presents an opportunity (Philemon 6). – Sensitivity to the Spirit’s prompting (Galatians 5:25). – Courage to step into the field, whether across the street or across the world. 6. Pray habitually and persistently – Set a daily or weekly reminder. – Join others: prayer meetings, small groups, family devotions (Acts 1:14). – Keep record of answered prayers to fuel further intercession. Using Scripture as Your Prayer Language • Turn Luke 10:2 into your own words: “Lord of the harvest, send workers today to _____.” • Insert names or places into verses like Romans 10:14-15. • Read Psalms that exalt God’s reign (Psalm 67; 96) and pivot into requests for global praise. Living Expectantly God delights to answer the very prayer He commands. Watch for opportunities: a conversation with a neighbor, a missionary update, an open door for short-term service. Celebrate every instance of fresh laborers stepping into the field, knowing each is a direct response to asking the Lord of the harvest. |
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