Praying for Harvest: The Lost and Prodigals

Praying for Harvest: The Lost and Prodigals

Download the sermon guide to print here.

In this message, Pastor Jimmy shares how each person is infinitely valuable to God, who relentlessly seeks us out. Through Jesus’ parables in Luke 15, we learn that there is tremendous joy in heaven when even one lost person is found. This guide will help you reflect on the message and discover practical ways to participate in God’s harvest by reaching those in your sphere of influence.

This sermon emphasizes:

• God values each individual personally and infinitely — you are of the greatest worth to Him
• Jesus actively seeks out the lost, pursuing each person with determined love
• There is great joy in heaven when someone comes to Christ — the angels celebrate
• We are called to identify people in our everyday lives who need Jesus
• Sharing our faith brings joy to ourselves, to those who are saved and to heaven itself
• Like the father of the prodigal son, God waits with unconditional love for those who have wandered away
• Prayer is powerful and essential in preparing for spiritual harvest

Key Scriptures

“Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.'” Luke 15:1-2

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.” Luke 15:4-5

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

Harvest Prayers: Praying for the Lost and Prodigals

Below are areas in our lives to pray and help identify people in your life who need Jesus:

1. Neighbors — Who lives near you that needs to know Jesus or come back to Him?
2. Work — Who at your workplace needs Jesus?
3. Eat — Where do you regularly eat? Who do you meet there?
4. Play — Where do you recreate (sports, gym, hobbies)? Who do you meet there?
5. Learn — Where do you go to school or for education? Who do you meet there?

Ways to pray and prepare for Harvest:

Prayer for the Lost: Lord, I pray for ___ to be convicted of their sin, repent, and come to know Your love and salvation.

Pray for the Prodigal: Lord, I pray for ___that they would see their need for you and return to You.

Discussion Questions:

1. When was the last time you felt the kind of joy described in Luke 15 — either personally experiencing salvation or witnessing someone else come to Christ? How did that impact you?
2. Looking at the five areas on the prayer card (neighbors, work, eat, play and learn), which area represents your greatest opportunity to build relationships with people who need Jesus? What is one specific step you could take this week to deepen one of those relationships?
3. Jimmy shared powerful stories about Tommy and Chrissy finding their way to Jesus. What obstacles or fears keep you from sharing your faith with others? How might remembering “the joy set before us” help overcome those barriers?