Praying for the Harvest
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”
Matthew 9:36–38
I read about a missionary who was invited to address a large church here in the States for their “missions minute” back in the days of the Iranian hostage crisis. Since he had only been given a minute, he wanted to do something that would make an impact. He decided to ask the audience the following two questions. He started with, “How many of you are praying for the 52 American hostages being held in Iran?” Hands went up all over the massive auditorium. “Praise the Lord,” he said. “Now put your hands down and let me ask you another question. How many of you are praying for the 42 million Iranians being held hostage by Islam?”
There are many things that each of us should be doing to promote and support the cause of reaching the lost, both at home and around the world. We should be involved with encouraging missionaries, giving to the cause, and if the opportunity is available, going to different mission fields. We should be active in the soul winning program of the local church. We should keep up with what is going on regarding missions. But nothing we can do is more important than prayer.
The work of reaching the lost is not accomplished through human strength, ingenuity, programs, personalities, or methods. The work of reaching the lost is only accomplished through the power of God. And that power is only available through prayer. We should be regularly and diligently praying for the health, protection, and effectiveness of missionaries, and for more to join them in the work.
Matthew 9:36–38
I read about a missionary who was invited to address a large church here in the States for their “missions minute” back in the days of the Iranian hostage crisis. Since he had only been given a minute, he wanted to do something that would make an impact. He decided to ask the audience the following two questions. He started with, “How many of you are praying for the 52 American hostages being held in Iran?” Hands went up all over the massive auditorium. “Praise the Lord,” he said. “Now put your hands down and let me ask you another question. How many of you are praying for the 42 million Iranians being held hostage by Islam?”
There are many things that each of us should be doing to promote and support the cause of reaching the lost, both at home and around the world. We should be involved with encouraging missionaries, giving to the cause, and if the opportunity is available, going to different mission fields. We should be active in the soul winning program of the local church. We should keep up with what is going on regarding missions. But nothing we can do is more important than prayer.
The work of reaching the lost is not accomplished through human strength, ingenuity, programs, personalities, or methods. The work of reaching the lost is only accomplished through the power of God. And that power is only available through prayer. We should be regularly and diligently praying for the health, protection, and effectiveness of missionaries, and for more to join them in the work.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Not a single day should pass without your prayers for the work of evangelism all across the globe.
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