Jesus teaches us to pray about many things, but in Matthew 9, he gives one of the clearest and most explicit prayer requests in all the Gospels: “Ask the Lord of the harvest . . . to send out workers into his harvest field” (verse 38).
This prayer comes as Jesus looks out over the crowds with compassion. He sees people who are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (verse 36). The need is great, the harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few. Jesus does send out workers (specifically the Twelve; Matthew 10), but he first calls his disciples to pray. In other words, mission begins not with our activity, but with God’s compassion and God’s sending. We are invited to join the Lord of the harvest in his mission through prayer.
A.B. Simpson once said, “Prayer is the mighty engine that is to move the missionary work.” As we pray this week, we are not simply asking God to bless our plans; we are joining him on his mission. We are asking him to send laborers, strengthen partners, provide for hungry children and families, raise up faithful leaders, and make Jesus known among the nations. So, let’s pray with confidence and urgency to the Lord of the harvest. May he send workers into his harvest, and, as with those first disciples, may we also be ready to become part of the answer to the prayers we pray.
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- Haiti Health Promise (Needham, MA), Pinehurst UMC (Pinehurst, NC), and Scouting America Alamance District (Burlington, NC) are holding Packathons this week!
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- We’re celebrating that the second Cuba container has been released from the port and delivered!
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Our partner Andy in Uganda is preparing for a youth conference at the beginning of June: “This conference seeks to ignite young people with a passion for God, empower them to live purpose-driven lives, and encourage them to become responsible citizens who positively influence their communities. Through worship, prayer, teaching, mentorship, and fellowship, we desire to raise a generation that fears God, serves faithfully, leads with integrity, and contributes meaningfully to society.”
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- Pray for Chris’s team in Ghana as they attend a two-week Leadership Matters Course that starts today (above). Chris ensures that his team has leadership development training to make their ministry most effective.
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“The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s rice bowl. However, there are poor people who lack rice. We have helped 50 poor families there with 500 kg of rice and essential supplies (below). Thank God and thank you for accompanying the missionary team and me. We could not do God’s work without you.” —Pastor M, partner in Vietnam
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- Bangladesh container #4 for this year will be leaving our Texas warehouse! Pray for safe travels for the food as it makes its way to the mouths of hungry children.
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Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. |
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Thank you for praying that the Lord of the harvest would send us to do his will all around the world. We pray you have a wonderful week!
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