Prayers for the Harvest

After King David was buried, his son Solomon sat on the throne, and his rule was firmly established (1 Kings 2:10-12). At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon understood the magnitude of his task as king of a people who were too numerous to count or number (1 Kings 3:8) He wisely asked for what he needed most to serve God’s people well. Solomon said to the Lord, “So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours” (1 Kings 3:9)?

 

God was so pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment over wealth and a long life, that He abundantly granted all of those things, promising that in Solomon’s lifetime he would have no equal among kings (1 Kings 3:13).

 

As you think about your leadership in GEMS and the season that will begin again in the fall, how would you respond if God came to you and asked, “If you could have whatever you wanted, what would it be?”

 

Really stop and think about that. What would it be? Solomon asked for what he needed most to serve the people of Israel well. What do you need most to best serve the girls in your Club?

 

When Lilias Trotter, an inspiring and passionate pioneer missionary who ministered among Muslims, entered Algeria, God gave her a threefold prayer for service. He wanted her to pray for open doors, open hearts, and open heavens.

 

In 1923, after thirty-five years in Algeria, Lilias wrote, “The threefold prayer of early days comes back to memory. First, that doors might be opened: that is answered already above all we could ask or think. Then, that hearts might be opened: and that is coming – the attitude has swept round from apathy to hostility, and from hostility to a large measure of welcome. Next, and last, that the heavens may be opened – when that is granted, the harvest will come.”

 

The spiritual harvest in Algeria, Zambia, and the Club that you serve in is ripe! Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35)!  Most Clubs are not meeting on a regular basis this summer, but the work of prayer must continue for the workers in His harvest field and for the harvest field of girls who need to know Jesus.