I spent some time this morning watching coverage of the tragic situation in Northern Japan. Here’s how I’ve been praying.
1. I’m praying my sadness and grief over the loss of life and the devastation back to God. There is no one better to talk to about these things then Him. I’m praying that God’s peace and strength, provided through Christ, would be known in the hearts and lives of the Japanese people
2. I’m praying that the hope of the good news of Jesus Christ will be made known. Peter writes that “because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole. I Peter 1:3-5 (MSG)”. May people place their hope, not in the temporal things of this world, but in the eternal things provided through Christ.
Over 70% of Japanese claim no personal religion (Operation World, 2010). I’m praying that many would turn to Jesus Christ and find salvation in Him.
3. I’m praying for the Pastors, Missionaries and Church leaders in Japan. Christians make up about 1.5% of the population of Japan but may this be their finest hour. Fill them with love, grace and boldness. May they walk compassionately and, let their light shine before all, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:16)
4. I’m praying for generosity from the global Christian community. Grow greater generosity in the hearts of all Christ followers toward the building of God’s kingdom. May we give, so that Christian ministries would be able to provide assistance to those harmed.
5. I’m praying a pray of thanks for God’s undeserved grace in all our lives. John Piper writes “O God, we humble ourselves under your holy majesty and repent. In a moment—in the twinkling of an eye—we too could be swept away. We are not more deserving of firm ground than our fellowmen in Japan.” We praise you for your mercy in not holding our sins against us and we recognize that every breath and our entire lives are lived by your grace alone.
Would you join me today in spending five minutes praying for Japan?