Prayer Guide – Week 46 (July 17-23)

The two prefectures for this week we are inviting you to pray for are Gunma and Saitama.

Gunma
Until recently, agriculture used to dominate Gunma, but now industrial development is spreading rapidly. This very mountainous region is quickly becoming a center for electronic and chemical industry. Population density is low and 56.9% of the towns and villages have no churches at all.

Please pray for:

• The Gospel to saturate this mostly rural area, so that even those in the most remote areas have a chance to hear about their only Savior.
• The various inns that are run by Christians, that they would be places of refuge for those who are seeking and hungry for true rest in Jesus.
• Missionaries to be sent into Gunma to preach the Good News to those who are perishing.

"How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" - Romans 10:14

Saitama
Saitama, though a major farming area, is quickly becoming an urban extension of Tokyo. The traditional religious beliefs of rural communities stand strong while the city is producing many adherents of "new religions," which promise material gain and peace of mind for those who adhere to their teachings. Whether rural villagers or city dwellers, all are empty and searching for some sort of satisfaction.

Please pray for:

• Christians from the city to reach out to those in the countryside who have never heard the Gospel
• Jesus to gather His sheep from Saitama, especially those who have fallen through the cracks of urban life, longing for love and companionship
• Saitama to come to the feet of the Lord Jesus and have a new heart that would be used to shine God's light on the rest of Japan.

"Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You."
- Psalm 63:3

This week are some general prayer points for Japan.
We hope it may focus your prayers this week.

• Pray that the Japanese who have filled their lives with materialism, religious traditions and culture will see the deep spiritual void in their lives and turn to the Living God.
• Most Japanese have never heard the Gospel explained in terms that make sense to them. Pray all will have the chance to hear and put their trust in Jesus.
• Most Japanese have never owned a Bible nor had a Christian friend. Pray that each Japanese person will have opportunity to read or hear the Gospel.
• Magazines and books about Christianity have been very popular in recent years. Pray that through reading these materials, many will receive Christ as Savior.
• Ask that the Japanese people will acknowledge the power of God, His majesty and holiness, and that many will receive the salvation He offers.
• Japan has one of the largest populations of seniors in the world. Pray for opportunities to share with them God’s love, forgiveness and assurance of new life.

The danger of heavy rain looms over much of Japan, and damage has been reported.
It is often the case that disaster strikes again in areas that have finally recovered. Let us pray for the Lord's help.

• Pray that the heavy rain disaster will be minimized and people's lives will be protected.
• Pray that we will hear the Lord's voice, receive the Lord's heart, and serve the needs.
• Pray that the churches in each region will be encouraged and strengthened by the Spirit of the Lord and serve the needs of the region.
• May the churches throughout Japan help each other and serve the areas that are in pain.