by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 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 9:35-38

Faithfully be a laborer in the harvest field of your city while praying for God to send laborers around the world.

Many times we complain about the lack of laborers and godly Christians in churches today, yet we do nothing about it. Jesus also lamented the lack of Christian laborers in the world. He looked at the hurting, needy, sin-stained, and lost people around Him and noted that though many needed to hear of His love, few were willing to tell them.

God instructed His disciples to pray for laborers, to pray that God would raise up men of faith to minister to the needs of the lost. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

This vital prayer request, given to us by Christ Himself, rarely makes it to most Christians' prayer lists. We pray for health and physical blessings, but do we consider the needs of people all around the world who are still waiting to hear of the God who can meet their greatest need?

When you pray, do you pray that God will raise up godly men and women to enter the harvest fields, near and far, to minister to those who are lost? The needs of our world are so great. Entire cities exist without a single Christ-centered church, not just in remote countries, but in our own nation. People are searching for answers, but we can't reach them all alone. We must have more godly people entering God's work.

Will you commit to pray for laborers for the next week? Earnestly beseech God's mercy on the lost by asking Him to send laborers into the harvest fields of our work. As you pray for laborers, also open your heart to God's call and be willing to join the harvest field should God call you to go. Continue faithfully being a laborer in your city while praying for God to send laborers around the world.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 81-83 | Romans 11:19-36