Prayer Guide – Week 52 (Aug 28-Sept 03)

Mie Prefecture

Mie is home to Shinto's holiest site, the Ise Shrine. Mythology states that the emperor is a direct descendant of the sun goddess (hence the sun on the Japanese flag), making this the center of all Shinto worship. The prefecture is home to possibly the highest percentage of Shinto believers in western Japan.
There are many principalities that must be destroyed in this region. Church membership is low in this Prefecture with few missionaries.

Please pray for:

• workers (especially Japanese ones) to enter this harvest field
• Satan's dominion in the hearts and minds of those who trust in false gods to be utterly destroyed
• New Life to enter Mie through the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who are now in bondage

"...I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
- Matthew 16:18b-19
Shiga Prefecture

Home to Japan's largest lake, this prefecture has a large number of Buddhists. Paradoxically, Shiga values old traditions and values less than any other part of Japan.

Please pray for:

• The 25 towns and villages with no churches, that each one will hear the Good News of God's grace through Jesus
• The few Japanese believers there, that they would have close intimacy with God and listen to His voice
• The few missionaries in Shiga, that they would be faithful and loving
• God's kingdom to come to Shiga prefecture

"May He come down like rain upon the mown grass,
Like showers that water the earth."
- Psalm 72:6

Christian heritage - Many hospitals, universities, schools and colleges were founded by Christians.  Although most Japanese people have never heard the gospel and do not know a Christian, many have a positive view of Christianity because of the charitable work done in the past by those who have gone before.  Give thanks for the positive influence of our Christian predecessors on hospitals, universities, schools and colleges.  Pray for those currently working at these organisations, especially Christians, that they will be salt and light in their communities and point many to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Many churches in Japan have either no pastor or are being led by a pastor who would like to retire but there are no successors available. Please pray for all those involved in training Christian leaders in seminaries and other training organisations in Japan. Pray that many candidates will come forward for training, that their course fees and living expenses will be met and that God will raise up a vibrant new generation of Christian leaders to guide his people and enable every-member ministry within Japanese churches.

Innovative ministries in Japan are seeking to use drama, music and dance to share the gospel. Creative ways of sharing the gospel open new avenues to reach many Japanese. Gospel music is popular and has provided a way to share the good news of Jesus with many who would otherwise not hear it. Ballet performances with Christian themes are accessible and relevant to many. Praise God for organisations using music, drama and dance to share the gospel. Please pray that the Lord will enable all using innovative ministries of this nature to proclaim the gospel faithfully and share hope and new life with many in Japan.

• Pray that they will be able to connect with the fellowship of the local church and continue to grow as children of God.
• Pray that with the proper encouragement, they will continue to walk in the challenges they have received.
• That they would not be led astray by deception or unbelief, but would continue to stand on the promises of the Word of God.
• That the Lord's glory would be displayed through them and that they would influence the Christians around them and those who are not yet saved.
• Pray that the teachers and brothers and sisters who have continued to serve will not burn out, but will continue to serve with strength in the work entrusted to them.