Reaching out to the frenzied

Mark Daniels looks at Mt. 9:35-38 and reflects on the gospel's appeal to the frenzied:

After seeing the desperate crowds of people around Him, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Translation: We’re surrounded by people whose lives and experiences make them ripe for knowing Jesus. They need Jesus. Pray, Jesus says, for people who care enough about others that they’re willing to bring them to me. Who care enough to pray for them. Care enough to invite them to worship or a small group. To invite them out for coffee and conversation, or give them a book like a study Bible. Pray for people who will continue my work, who, everywhere they go, will teach people about Me, tell others the Good News of new life for all who follow Me, Who will bring healing and help to everyone.

For years I've read this passage simply as an appeal to get out there and get to work evangelizing. But Mark's "translation" brings out a central theme that had somehow eluded me. Did you catch it? Pray.