PRAY TO THE LORD OF THE HARVEST TO SEND OUT WORKERS

Matthew 9:38 (NIV): “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Jesus, moved with compassion for the crowds, who were “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36), turned to His disciples and gave them this divine instruction. It’s a direct command—not merely a suggestion—that we are to pray for laborers in the work of the Kingdom. This reveals not only the importance of evangelistic and pastoral ministry but also the urgency of it.

This prayer request points us to a fundamental truth: God is the Lord of the harvest, meaning He is sovereign over the mission, the field (the world), and those He sends. Our role is to participate with Him through intercession and obedience.

Below are six critical mission fields where the Church must urgently pray for and support workers:

1. In the Church

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV): “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

The Church is both a training ground and a mission field. God has gifted individuals to build up the Church, yet many congregations lack enough leaders, Sunday school teachers, youth ministers, and worship leaders. Prayer is needed for more equipped and Spirit-filled workers to rise within the body. Let’s ask the Lord to send those who will shepherd, disciple, and equip others.

2. In Schools

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Educational institutions are strategic spiritual battlegrounds. While knowledge is shared, so too are ideologies that can draw children and youth away from God’s truth. We need believers—students and teachers—who will act as salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14) within these environments.
As Paul encouraged Timothy, we must also encourage young people to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

3. In Hospitals

James 5:14-15 (NIV): “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them… And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”

Hospitals are places of both physical and spiritual suffering. In many cases, chaplains or visiting ministers are not always allowed access due to legal or institutional limitations. However, when Christian medical professionals are Spirit-led, they can become vessels of God’s healing—not just medically, but spiritually.
We must pray for a revival among doctors, nurses, and caregivers to carry out Christ’s compassion and power in their workplaces.

4. In Government

Daniel 6:3 (NIV): “Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators… that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.”

The presence of godly people in governance is critical. Scripture provides numerous examples—Daniel, Joseph, Esther—of people God used to influence nations.
The enemy seeks to manipulate justice, policies, and leadership, but when believers are in positions of authority, they can speak truth and uphold righteousness. Pray that God raises up modern-day Daniels and Esthers who will be unashamed witnesses in public service.

5. In the Streets

Luke 14:23 (NIV): “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.”

The streets represent everyday life—where people work, socialize, and often fall into moral and spiritual decay. Many who need Jesus won’t come to church buildings. The Church must go to them.
We need evangelists and urban missionaries, even those redeemed from lives of addiction, crime, or prostitution, who will now bring the same zeal into spreading the gospel.

6. Online and Social Media

Romans 10:17 (NIV): “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

The internet has become a massive global “marketplace” for ideas and influence—both good and evil. Unfortunately, it’s dominated by voices that promote sin, deception, and rebellion against God. Yet, God can redeem this platform.
Imagine if the influencers and content creators who once promoted darkness began proclaiming the light of Christ. We must pray for digital missionaries—those called to engage, evangelize, and disciple others through blogs, videos, social media, and podcasts.

Conclusion: A Call to Prayer

Each of these six mission fields is vital to advancing God’s Kingdom. They are also under threat by the forces of darkness. But God’s strategy for transformation begins with prayer.

Don’t limit your prayers to personal needs alone. As someone saved by grace, take up the call to intercede for laborers in every sector. Jesus has already told us what to do: Pray to the Lord of the harvest. He is ready to send; are we ready to ask?