Praying for the Harvest

I just returned home from spending time in prayer leading up to this Sunday’s huge evangelical outreach here in Arlington as Harvest America brings the Gospel to, hopefully, over 100,000 people locally, and many more worldwide through a live stream. During my time with God, I was lead to several verses and given words to lift in prayer. It never ceases to amaze me how our Lord will put these things in my head to put to paper.

Father God, your Word is truth, and I am thankful for you giving it to us. Your glory and power are displayed throughout scripture, bringing into stark reality what we see in the world. As I read your Word, I pray you hear my prayers, bringing all who hear your message to your Kingdom, showing them the Life available through your Son, Jesus Christ.

“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 9:37-38 ESV)

Let us be fearful of you, Lord, but fearless of the world. Let us be cautious, but reckless as we go into the harvest. Carry us forward as we take your message to all who desperately need to hear it.

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

Lord, let us go forth, in Christ’s power, remembering we are Christ to those who do not know him. Make us strong and pure to be an example of the life freely given by Jesus at the cross.

“And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16 ESV)

Let us be one body, in the Spirit, as Christ is one Shephard over one flock. Teach us to love unconditionally each person we encounter, showing how God loves everyone the same and wants all to come to Him.

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)

God, I pray that you show us your way; give us words to present your gospel: that there is one way to Heaven, your Son, Jesus Christ.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

Grant us strength to persevere, and power to take your Word and spread it wherever You would lead us, even to the ends of the earth.

“For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:11-15 ESV)

Remind us, oh God, place in our hearts the knowledge that we are all one in your eyes; no race, no classes, no border can separate us. Prepare us to go to the world and spread your Word. Without those to speak, who may hear your Good News? Are we not charged to be the hands and feet of Christ, showing love to all?

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20 ESV)

Open our hearts and minds; make clear that your power through the Holy Spirit lives in us and can lead us to do great things for your Kingdom.

“and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 6 ESV)

Show us that by sharing our faith, we become stronger, more resilient, and even closer to You.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” (Revelation 21:3-6 ESV)

Finally, knowing your truth, free us to reach deeper with you. Release the captives of this world to realize that you are coming to set up your kingdom and dwell among us, removing the stains of sin, evil and the stench of this present world; replacing with all that is holy; bringing forth the spring of the water of life to all who call on your name, the payment having been made on the cross of Christ.

I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.