Praying for Tokyo Matters

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Praying Matters

In Acts 12, we glimpse the Lord using prayer to cause the gospel to spread through the local church, even in times of persecution. The church in Jerusalem faced immense trials. James had been martyred, and Peter was next. Luke tells us, “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” (Acts 12:8) This verse emphasizes the vital role of prayer.

Acts 12 illustrates James’ principle that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). Peter is chained between two guards late at night when an angel wakes him and miraculously frees him from prison. His first stop is the house of John Mark’s mother Mary, where the church is gathered in prayer. When Peter knocks at the gate, the girl who answers is so shocked to see him that she does not let him in. Instead, she runs to tell the others. Initially, they do not believe her. Peter continues knocking until they finally let him in. The church was astonished by the effectiveness of their prayers.

This passage highlights the power of prayer in Peter’s deliverance from incarceration and its impact on John Mark. John Mark was a member of a church willing to gather and pray at whatever hour necessary. As Acts unfolds, we see John Mark accompany Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. He does not last long and returns home much earlier than Paul wishes. However, the Lord was not finished with John Mark. This experience was part of the testimony the Lord was establishing in John Mark for the sake of his name. Luke’s account in Acts connects these events with John Mark’s growth and preparation for future ministry.

Praying for Tokyo Matters

Prayer is vital, both for what we pray for and who we pray with. That’s why we are asking churches to come together and pray for Tokyo. As the largest city in the world, Tokyo has one of the densest populations with the least access to healthy churches. We urge churches to gather and intercede specifically for Tokyo.

Although there are churches in Tokyo, many struggle with health and gospel fidelity. Pray that these churches will prioritize the exaltation of Christ over conformity to cultural expectations. Some churches have diluted the gospel in hopes of attracting more people to their services. While this has increased attendance, it has not brought gospel transformation. A return to a Christ-exalting, gospel-centered ministry could profoundly transform the city and the nation.

Please also pray for new church plants. We ask churches to consider supporting this effort through praying, giving, going, and sending. Ask God to raise up missionaries dedicated to Tokyo. Encourage your church to contribute financially, to learn about the city’s spiritual needs, and to pray. Learn how your church can make a tangible impact. Seek the Lord’s guidance in raising up missionaries for Tokyo from your own congregation.

Praying for Missionaries for Tokyo Matters

The more firmly we trust in God’s sovereignty, the more we will marvel at how He orchestrates prayer and raises up missionaries for Tokyo.

Consider John Mark again. While his departure during Paul’s first missionary journey may seem like a failure, it reflects the Lord’s providence in shaping John Mark’s growth. Church history tells us that when John Mark returned home to his church in Jerusalem, he spent significant time with Peter. Not only did this lead to the Gospel of Mark, but it also prepared John Mark for future ministry. Because Peter experienced the sifting of his faith, he became a source of encouragement for John Mark. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus tells Peter, “‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’” Peter’s mentorship strengthened John Mark’s faith. On his second missionary journey, Paul doubted John Mark, so John Mark joined Barnabas. Over time, Paul’s opinion of John Mark changed. Near the end of his life, Paul wrote to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim 4:11b ESV).

Tokyo is often called a missionary graveyard. Many missionaries died there. Others left due to the grueling nature of the work and the lack of visible fruit. Just as John Mark returned home to be equipped and strengthened, some missionaries who left Tokyo are now in their home churches, preparing to return. Ask God to bring these missionaries forward and form them into core church-planting teams. Pray for pastors to rise among them. These missionaries have experienced triumphs and failures. They know the local church is crucial for the exaltation of Christ and the spiritual vitality of His people.

Churches joining together to plant churches are like streams converging to form a mighty river. Pray for churches, missionaries, church planters, and Japanese churches to unite. May they build a coalition of healthy churches that will transform Tokyo and illuminate the nation with the glory of our Savior. Pray for Tokyo!