As we enter this new year, Lord Jesus,
we acknowledge that you are
the Builder of your church and the Lord of the harvest.
So we ask you to construct and to reap.
Change hearts. Save souls. Woo weary ones.

Because the harvest remains plentiful.
Many still have not heard of your goodness and saving grace.

Some are forbidden to read your word.
Others risk life, home, livelihood to follow you.
Help them discover the message of your love.

But you also commissioned us to be your witnesses
in every part of the world.
You said to go and make disciples of all nations
and baptize them in your name,
and teach them everything you taught us.

We’re trying to do that, but the workers are still few.
So we’re asking for sixty new ones this year.
Use these servants world-wide to testify to your good news.

Help them, Lord, because it is really hard.
We send young families, couples, singles, retirees
into difficult places.
They’re trying to meet daily needs,
learn a new language, culture, schedule, and job.
Some also parent and maintain a marriage—
all this while testifying to your good news.

Aid our member care staff to identify areas of needed support
and then provide or locate it.

Be with missions teams in local churches.
Help them to be consistent in prayer,
generous in financial giving, but also offer support
through mentoring in regular video calls and overseas visits.

Guide our leaders in this venture.
Help them know what to prioritize and what to let go.

Provide the finances needed to pay salaries,
recruit new staff, hire contracted services.

Lord, you have also brought the nations to our shores.
Our own neighbors are adjusting to a new culture and language.
Send workers into this harvest as well to befriend,
assist, welcome, and demonstrate your love.

You said you would be with us to the very end of the age.
You said you’d give us the Holy Spirit’s power.
We need it. Our global workers need it. Our churches need it.

May global workers around the world, agencies who send them,
and churches who support them know your presence every day
in the coming year.

Thank you, Lord of the Harvest.
Amen.

Matthew 16:18; 9:37–38; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18–20