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Praying for the
Harvest 1. Jesus Knew the Value of Planning and Preparation. What is your most successful example of long-range planning? What can you learn from this example of Jesus planning and his delegating to the seventy? After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go, Luke 10:1. 2. Ask and Wait to Receive. Think of an example of answered prayer in your life. How can Jesus' teaching about asking for people for specific ministries effect how your congregation does its ministry? "Jesus said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest,'" Luke 10:2. 3. Don't Be Surprised by Opposition. Jesus repeatedly tells us that we must count the cost if we want to be a disciple. What might the cost be if your congregation followed Jesus model in Luke 10? "Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves," Luke 10:3. 4. Trust the Lord to Provide for Your Needs. Take a moment in silence to open your to God. What is it that God is laying on your heart to trust the Lord to provide? "Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace, to this house!' And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you," Luke 10:4-6. 5. Commit Yourself to Your Community. Are you glad to live in your community? Do your words and actions reflect a positive commitment to make this place home? "Remain in the same house, eating and drink whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move from house to house," Luke 10:7. 6. Minister to the Needs of People - First! The seventy first ministered to the needs of individuals, and then shared their witness. What needs exist in your community to which you can minister? "...cure the sick who are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'" Luke 10:9. 7. Do not Lose Sight of the Goal Despite the Joys along the Way. Does the promise of Eternal Life excite you? If not, what is preventing you from the joy of seeing our Lord, face to face? "The seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!...See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven," Luke 10:17,19-20. What do you plan to do about these thoughts? Consider committing these plans to the Lord in prayer. Wait, watch and see the leading of the Lord.
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