“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest'” (Matthew 9:36-38, ESV).
Heavenly Father, we come to you, the Lord of the Harvest, knowing that what our Lord Jesus said is true–the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
We are surrounded by the lost, people who are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. When we lift up our eyes, we see the fields of men and women that are ripe for harvest, people who need to know the Lord Jesus. And because of your great love for the world, you sent your Son into the world, our Lord Jesus, who came to seek and to save the lost.
So in obedience to his command, we earnestly pray that you would now send out more laborers into your harvest.
Send out a mighty movement of laborers from among your people who, under your authority, go and make disciples of all nations, starting with their own neighbors.
Empower these workers, Lord, by your Spirit, so that they may be fruitful and effective witnesses wherever they live, study, work or go.
And as they go, open a door for your word and enable them to speak of Christ with great clarity and boldness.
May the fruit of their ministry be multiplying disciples and gospel movements established among all peoples. As they labor, may the word of God increase and multiply with the gospel spreading throughout whole neighborhoods, school campuses, cities, regions and nations.
You, O Lord, are able to do all this and immeasurably more than all we ask or think, according to your power which mightily works within us.
To you be the glory forever and ever.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
(adapted from written prayers by Cru International)
rusty tugman 