Matthew 9:37-38
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out labourers into His harvest field.’”
Jesus looked at the crowds and they were weary, wandering, harassed, and helpless - and His heart broke. The phrase ‘send out’ meant to propel, to drive out with force. It was an urgent commissioning.
There is a difference between volunteers and labourers. Volunteers help when it’s convenient; labourers build when it costs them.
Volunteers sign up for a roster; labourers carry a burden. Volunteers offer their spare time; labourers give their whole lives.
A volunteer asks, “What will this require of me?” A labourer asks, “What will this produce for Him?”
Jesus is after obedience that is not conditional, where service is not seasonal, whose passion doesn’t fade when it’s unseen. The Kingdom advances through those who refuse to quit, who plant in tears and reap in joy. God is raising up those kind of labourers in this hour! People who see beyond the field in front of them to the harvest that’s coming.
The harvest is not the problem. The fields are ripe and ready - classrooms, offices, cafés, and nations - waiting for us to show up with courage!
Today we are praying for the rise of godly leaders - bold, pure-hearted, kingdom-minded, unafraid to carry truth in a culture of compromise. Let’s pray for the next generation of labourers to be filled with fire, holiness, and compassion. Let’s also pray for weary leaders to be strengthened again - that fresh oil would flow where fatigue has set in.
Maybe you feel something shifting in your heart today when you hear those words “send out labourers”. Maybe God is whispering, “I want to send you.”
God’s answer to the brokenness of the world is always the same: He sends someone. What if that someone is you?
Where is God calling you to lead or labour for His Kingdom? How can you pray and practically support the leaders and labourers already in your world?
PRAY BOLD
“Lord of the Harvest, open my eyes to the fields around me. The harvest is ready - send labourers! I pray for pastors, leaders, and those breaking ground on the mission field; strengthen their hands and fill them with fresh fire. Raise up a generation of bold voices who will carry Your gospel into every arena of culture. Propel us out into our assignments with courage and compassion. And if You can use me, here I am. Send me. Let revival spread through willing hearts until the whole earth is filled with Your glory.”
EQUIPPERS EVERYWHERE
Today we are praying for New Zealand!
(As part of this fast, we’re lifting up our Equippers family and churches around the world. Each day, take a few moments to pray for the country we list and our church/es there - praying for the pastors and people, and believing for God’s presence, power, and provision to move in that nation.)