Prayer Guide – Week 15 (Jan 29-Feb 04)

Shikoku is a separate smaller island of Japan, made up of four rural prefectures. Most people live in the north of the region, while the larger southern area is mountainous and sparsely populated.

Thank God for the fellowship, cooperation, and prayer between pastors and churches in this region, and pray that this continues.

Churches in rural areas, as compared to urban ones, have their own specific concerns. Churches may be aging or declining due to demographic changes. Many of them may be without pastors or in need of renewal. Pray for God’s encouragement and provision for churches in rural areas of Japan.

Japanese people have gone to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples for centuries. Many find comfort in repeating the simple rituals of purification and prayer. At busy times, lines of people take turns to pray. They seek blessing for important life events, enjoy festivals, or find refreshment in the nature that is part of many religious sites. Shinto and Buddhist influences have shaped Japanese society and identity in significant ways. But through Christ, Japanese people can find their deepest belonging in the God who created them.

• Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead those who seek salvation through various rituals to find Jesus Christ.
• Pray that Japanese people would find their most authentic belonging and identity in the God who created them. 

Let us continue to pray for the local needs.

• Please pray for the people in the areas where lifelines such as water supply are not connected.
• Please pray that those in evacuation centers will be protected from infectious diseases such as corona and influenza.
• Pray for cooperation between local churches and churches in Japan through "Noto Help" to express the love of Christ.
• That the local churches and workers who are the base of the ministry would not grow weary. Pray that the local churches and workers who are the base of the ministry will not become exhausted and that they will receive encouragement.