PRAYER GUIDE – WEEK 5 (Oct 3rd – 9th)

The Chubu region is in the center of the main island of Japan and generally refers to the 9 prefectures of Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, and Aichi. It is a vast area of different land features including plains and mountains, and city areas around Nagoya.

Chubu contains some of the most unchurched prefectures (Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui), which is perhaps due to the strong Buddhist influence. Ishikawa is nicknamed “the kingdom of Buddhism”; Toyama has the highest percentage of Buddhist followers; and Fukui has the highest number of Buddhist temples per population.

• Pray particularly for a gospel breakthrough in Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui. Pray for God to strengthen and protect churches in these prefectures.
• Pray for Nagoya, Japan’s fourth largest city. It is the central hub connecting the megacities of Tokyo and Osaka. Pray for seminaries, Christian leaders, and ministries in Nagoya to thrive and for the fruit of these ministries to spread up to Tokyo and down to Osaka, and indeed across 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. 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.

Out of the 99% of Japan’s population who are non-Christian, let us ask for an increase in the number of seekers throughout the country. May they eagerly accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!