Help Wanted…Help Provided

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Some churches and Lutheran schools alike may feel like they have “Help Wanted” sign hanging in their front window.  A church call committee may wonder about God’s timing after issuing the fifth call to a pastor.  A school board waits a bit less patiently as the search goes on for an upper grade science teacher.  The harvest is indeed plentiful and the workers are far too few.

Our Lord does not just invite us to pray for laborers for the harvest.  He commands such prayer.  Such petitions can be offered by the congregation on Sunday morning, the school faculty at morning devotions, and the shut-in during her daily prayers.  During this month, we continue to highlight church work vocations and encourage prayers for the next generation of servants in our congregations and schools.

God does indeed hear the prayers of His people.  He just does not always answer our prayers in the way that we seek.  A wise pastor once told me, “There are no vacant congregations.  Christ is always present with His people.”  Help is provided!  God may provide for a congregation through a retired pastor who serves them during a time of transition.  God also blesses Lutheran schools with teachers who have come out of the public school system, but want to serve in a setting where they can teach the faith clearly.  We recognize that God is truly the one who helps us in every need, providing servants for our churches and schools.  May we consistently turn to the Lord in praying for servants in the church and then give thanks to Him for all of the ways in which He meets our needs.

Prayer – Almighty God, guide and direct men and women at different stages of life to consider service in our schools and congregations.  Raise up teachers, deaconesses, Directors of Christian Education, Outreach and Family Ministry, as well as pastors, that your people may be built up and strengthened in the faith; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan