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Matthew 9:37–38 — “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.”

Jesus saw the crowds of people as sheep without a shepherd, weary and scattered, and His heart was moved with compassion. Out of that compassion came a call to prayer: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.” The need was not the size of the field but the scarcity of workers. Even today, the greatest shortage in the church is not opportunity but laborers willing to serve.

Prayer is the starting point. Jesus did not first command His disciples to go but to pray. Before the hands move, the heart must kneel. We must ask the Lord of the harvest to raise up men and women who will carry the gospel to the lost. Every revival in history has begun with believers who took this command seriously, pleading with God to send laborers.

But prayer is never disconnected from obedience. Often when we pray for God to send others, He points to us. Isaiah heard the Lord ask, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” and he responded, “Here am I; send me.” The harvest is not for a select few but for all who follow Christ. We must be ready for our prayers to lead to personal action.

This call also challenges our priorities. Many are willing to reap the benefits of a harvest, but fewer are willing to put in the labor to gather it. Evangelism, discipleship, and service are hard work, requiring sacrifice and perseverance. But the labor is worth it, for it brings eternal reward and joy to the heart of God.

When we pray for laborers, we are praying according to God’s will, and He delights to answer. The Lord of the harvest is not stingy with His workers; He is waiting for His people to ask. What might happen in our homes, churches, and communities if we took this prayer as seriously as Jesus intended?

The harvest is vast, and the need is great. Let us begin on our knees, asking God to raise up and send forth laborers—and let us be ready to join them in the field.