A Prayer to Cultivate a Mission-Oriented Heart and Mind - Your Daily Prayer - April 19

A Prayer to Cultivate a Mission-Oriented Heart and Mind
By Vivian Bricker 

Bible Reading:
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘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 9:35-38).

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Missions have been a passion of mine ever since I was in college. My missions professor cultivated in my heart an ardent desire to reach the lost world for Christ. Along with his wife, he served as a missionary in Thailand for almost 30 years. He was working on his Ph.D. dissertation when he was asked by a university to teach missions. I owe much of my knowledge and cross-cultural communication skills to him, as he truly encouraged his students and wanted to see us succeed as workers for the Lord.

As part of my missions minor, I had to complete an internship. During this time, I traveled overseas to England, where I stayed with three different families. Two of these families were missionaries, and one was local. Each family was a wonderful host, and all of them helped cultivate a deeper heart for missions within me. While there were challenging aspects, I left the field with a greater appreciation for the work being done and a closer relationship with God.

There are many wonderful mission boards, and I have been connected to one for many years. I am greatly encouraged by the work they are doing. Although I am not currently serving on the mission field, I am still contributing to the Great Commission by educating others about the need for missions (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Bible tells us, “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘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 9:35-38).   

As Jesus healed the sick and spent time with the downtrodden, He had deep compassion for them. The Lord then turned to His disciples and told them that while the harvest is abundant, there are not enough workers. What He said to them then still speaks to us today.

The harvest is the lost world—those who are ready to hear the Gospel—and the workers are those who go out to share it. There are countless people groups and communities who still need to hear the Good News. They have no knowledge of the Lord. As Paul says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15).

The workers are few, but you can be one of them. Even a small act, such as sponsoring a missionary family or simply sharing information about a mission board, can make a meaningful impact on the work of the Kingdom.

Ask the Lord to cultivate a missions-oriented heart and mind within you. Pray about it and seek His guidance. It may be that God is calling you to the mission field as a teacher, a church worker, or through business as missions. Jesus will give you discernment and direct your heart toward the harvest.

Let's Pray: 

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Please send more laborers into the harvest, including me. Guide my heart to understand where You want me to serve and how. Whether You call me to the mission field, to serve from home, or to equip others, I will be faithful to Your leading.

Help me to have the same compassion and love for the lost that You have. Change my heart and mind to focus on Your mission rather than my own desires. Use my words, actions, and obedience to bring others to the knowledge of the Gospel.

There is no time to waste, as people are dying every day without knowing You. Please draw all people to Yourself.

Thank You, Lord. Amen.

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Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Priscilla Du Preez

Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.

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