Holy One,
The crops are coming in,
whether they’ve had enough rain or not,
whether they’ve reached their peak, or gone past it,
it’s time. Harvest is here.

““The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…”

Lord, the kids are back in school, but not necessarily back in church. And if they suddenly all showed up at once, who would teach them? Who would care for them? Who would share your love with them?

“… the laborers are few…”

Holy One, I repent of all the times I tried to convince someone – anyone – that it wouldn’t be too hard, that it wouldn’t take too much time or energy, that it would be fun. When all along, I knew how much work it would mean, how much planning and preparation would be required to teach and lead your beloved children into a life of faith. Forgive me, Lord, for belittling this important work, for selling it short. Forgive me for trying to make the sacrifice seem small, instead of worthy. Give me a passion for sharing the immeasurable value of raising up children in the way they should go.

“… therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)

Gracious and Almighty God, I’m asking. Amen.