PRAYER GUIDE – WEEK 17 (Dec 26th - Jan 1st)

Hyogo is home to Kobe, the sixth largest city in Japan. Because of its thriving port, there has been substantial exposure to foreign influences, which has shaped the culture of its urban center. 

However, the rural communities are still grounded in older tradition and don't have much exposure to the Gospel of Christ. 

The 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake killed around 6,500 people and destroyed much of Kobe. It was one of the worst earthquake disasters in Japanese history and many lives are still effected by it today. 

Please pray for:

1. 1The Holy Spirit to open the eyes of many in Kobe and its surrounding regions so that they can have the Joy of knowing their Creator.
2. The existing Churches in Hyogo - that they would be strong in the Lord and abide in Him.
3. Japanese believers in Hyogo to feel a burden for the lost and reach out to their communities with the Gospel, being led by the Spirit.
4. God's Kingdom to come to Hyogo prefecture, so that they can know Jesus Christ and have everlasting life.

"Then you will see and be radiant, And your heart will thrill and rejoice;

Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you.. And I shall glorify My glorious house

The year 2022 will come to an end in a few short days, and I look forward to building a new era with you in 2023.

1. No one will put new wine into an old leather bag. (1) No one puts new wine into an old skin bag. If you do, the wine will tear the skin bag, ruining both the wine and the skin bag. New wine is to be put into a new leather bag. As Mark 2:22 says, as we consider what was taught in this Corona Disaster, let us pray that we will not return to our former state, but that the Church and we ourselves will be born again!
2. At this time of the new year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on our life of faith. Let us reflect on the Word given to the church and to each of us individually this year, as well as on our promises to God. Let us also pray and ask for a vision for our respective communities and Japan as well as a vision for ourselves and our churches in 2023!
3. There are many things in Japan that are tied up in this holiday season events, such as village society and island culture. Let us pray that those who are sent to areas where there are no Christians or no churches will not feel alone. Also, in the Japanese New Year's Eve and New Year's events, "That man is a Christian!" Let us offer worship services of a way of life that is called "Christian!

Let us pray that this ministry, which started this fall, will be further spread throughout Japan and the world.
Pray that next year all time zones will be covered with prayer for Japan.
May many people experience the power of prayer.
May the churches increase their trust in God and raise up more humble people to pray.
That all generations will be excited in prayer.
Through prayer, may great works be expressed, and may a more prayerful people be aroused.