September 16, 2024 - Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭35‬-‭38

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”” Matthew 9:35-38 NLT

Jesus, when we look at your life and even the reason that you came to earth to begin it, your huge heart for people is evident. You came to bring us the Good News. You came to heal us and set us free. You were full of such compassion when you looked over the crowds that were always coming to you for help. We praise you that you long to find the lost, confused, and hurting sheep and bring us into the safety of your watchkeeping and protection as our perfect shepherd.

Jesus, I read here that you looked at the crowds and saw the great need that went beyond what you could reach within your limited humanity. You commanded your followers to pray for more people to go and reach the lost sheep. Fill us with your compassion for the lost sheep. Stir in us a desire to cry out to you to send more workers into the field to reach them. Lord, we also ask for you to use us to reach your lost sheep. Open our eyes to those around us who need you. Help us not to get so lost in our own world that we don’t notice the need for you around us. Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and be your love to those who need it. Give us your wisdom and insight on how to draw the lost to you. We want to answer your call for your followers to help bring in the harvest.

In Jesus name, amen.