Prayer Guide – Week 6 (Oct 30-Nov 05)

Tokushima

The inhabitants of Tokushima place more value on their family names and status than any other area of Japan. They also perceive a stronger spiritual connection to their ancestors. Although this region is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku, there are few followers of Buddhism in this prefecture. This is partly due to the strong presence of Sokka Gakkai, a Japanese "new religion" that places much emphasis on material blessing.

Please pray for:

• The Buddhist pilgrims who visit the many temples in Tokushima, that they would find that what they are looking for so earnestly is only found in Jesus
• Followers of Sokka Gokkai, that they would see the emptiness of this works-based cult and would have an opportunity to hear the Good News of Christ's saving work
• The 31 towns and villages with no church presence at all, that they would have faithful followers of the One True God come and bring them His love
• Tokushima to be brought to the feet of Christ Jesus and find new life in Him

"...Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you..."

- Acts 17:23b

Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in terms of total land area, yet its close proximity to mainland Honshu made it a place of cultural exchange. People here tend to be mellow and optimistic, showing an interest in religion - especially Buddhism.

Please pray for:

• The many Buddhist pilgrims that visit Kagawa's many temples each year, that they would find the one true God in the midst of their seeking empty idols
• The Japanese believers in Kagawa, that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach their neighbors with the Gospel of Christ.
• Kagawa to be transformed by the love of God through Jesus, and that many would come to know Him there

"Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."

- John 14:13

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!

• Pray for an increase of seekers in Japan in near vicinity to believers and churches that are able to help guide them to Christ.
• Pray for energy, protection, and joy as seekers commit to learning more about Jesus through Bible study and the church. Some stumbling blocks include the busyness and weariness of daily life and confusion about where to start.

At one percent of the population, Christians are a small minority in Japan. Sometimes there may only be one believer in an entire classroom, club, company, or family. It may be difficult to withstand social pressures and to publicly self-identify as Christian.

• Jesus spoke of salt, light, and leaven in the Bible—all small, yet having permeating influence. Pray that Japanese Christians will become more visible in society and have this influence of God’s grace and goodness wherever they go.
• Pray that Jesus will strengthen and comfort believers in Japan when they feel isolated or small. May the Holy Spirit remind them that they are part of a big global family—the body of Christ around the world. 

We live in an age where more and more children are finding it difficult to live child-like days due to the busyness of their daily lives. Please pray that we will have wonderful encounters with children during this time of character building.

Please pray that missionary and educational work for children in church schools will be strengthened. Please pray that workers will be raised up in various places for this purpose.

That Christian elementary school teachers will receive the spirit of power, love, and modesty to properly serve children in the field.

Pray that the faith of the saved children will be protected and grow, and that they will live days full of the joy of the Lord.

May the Lord's Spirit guide and use the missionary events for children that are held in various places.