The Prayer Request of Christ; "Making an Impact Through Sending Prayers."Sample
Day One: Sending Prayers
Imagine being at a church or Christian gathering and Jesus is present. . . physically. As people are asked to share their prayer requests, you notice Jesus raising his hand to share his. Odds are, everyone would reach for a pen or mobile device to record what he says. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit has recorded this prayer for us.
In two gospels, Matthew, and Luke we read the following words, “. . . The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38, Luke 10:2, NIV). This prayer request (or command) is important in spreading the good news of Christ at home and around the world. Why? According to Jesus, the harvest (in essence, the gathering of people to himself), is facing a supply and demand problem. While many are thirsting for the living water of Christ, additional believers are needed to “go” and share the good news.
The Lord’s “divine design” for making disciples, is centered on using his followers (empowered by the
Holy Spirit). Included in this design is for followers of Jesus to ask him to send workers into his harvest. As “sending prayers” are prayed, the divine design for reaching the world continues to advance.
If you have a saving faith in Christ, you can likely point to someone through whom you heard that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again. Someone ultimately sent by the Lord. Consequently, every follower of Jesus can have an impact on spreading the good news of Christ around the world. How? By becoming an answer to the prayer request of Christ. By praying “sending” prayers. A prayer that was birthed in compassion.
Lord, I pray that you’ll send workers into your harvest. I ask that you send them throughout the world and to (___________________). Name a specific country, place, city, or school.
Matthew 9:37-38
Matthew 28:18-20
Luke. 10:1-2
About this Plan
When Jesus said that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, he also provided the initial step for solving this dilemma. “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38, Luke 10:2, NIV). This plan examines how praying “sending prayers,” enables followers of Jesus, to have an impact in advancing the gospel.
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