How to Pray for Japan on the Front End of a Coronavirus Outbreak

Japan has been in the news around the world the past week as news about a growing COVID-19 threat continues to mount. Japan has the highest number of cases of the disease outside of China, if you include the Princess Cruise ship cases. In Japan, there are a mix of emotions for everyone. People are largely trying to follow the Japanese health ministry’s advice to avoid crowded trains and several companies have encouraged teleworking, but most folks are still trying to continue on with their normal lives. Some are less concerned and others are freaking out. The surgical masks that Japan is so known for are out of stock everywhere, and crowds are notably thinner than usual in public places. Untraceable cases have popped up in several prefectures and now many from the Princes Cruise ship are being sent home or to hospitals scattered throughout Japan.

No one knows what will happen from here. The virus is new and unpredictable, and the patterns of transmission in Japan have become hard to explain. There is a way to read things optimistically (“this disease is less deadly than the flu”, “80% of cases just manifest as a cold”, “children have not been as negatively effected by the illness, etc.). However, the news from Wuhan is terribly grim, and the daily death count is a reminder that what Asia is currently facing is legitimately scary.

For instance, the annual Nagoya Marathon events that I and several of our CBI team members have run in the past have now been cancelled. One of the hospitals where sick people from the Princess Cruise are being treated is close to where some of our team members live. I had my own moment of panic when I realized I had taken the same flight leg home as a someone with Coronavirus, but on a different day and a different plane! As the threat grows, and as we wait in miserable anticipation, and try to make decisions about when to continue normal ministry patterns and when to cancel or change events to play it safe, we need prayer. Please continue to pray for Wuhan and all effected by this illness across Asia and around the world. Here are some ways to pray for Japan specifically.

Pray for mercy

Some have voiced concern that the virus response has been mishandled by authorities in Japan, especially with regards to the Princess cruise ship. Pray for the mercy of God to prevent the disease from taking many more lives. Pray that God would spare many, especially elderly, who will likely die apart from knowing Christ if they are taken now. Pray that this can be contained, vaccines and treatments can be developed, and many will be spared by God’s mercy.

[6] I say to the LORD, You are my God;
give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD! (Psalm 140:6, ESV)

Pray for evangelistic zeal in the church

Pray for Japanese Christians whose relatives and friends and coworkers do not yet know Christ. Pray that this event will light a fire for evangelism that will lead to many hearing the gospel and responding in faith. In the face of global challenges, we are invited to pray big prayers. Pray for the Lord to cause a Gospel Awakening in Japan!

[18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18–20)

Pray for the salvation of many

Pray that in the face of such a threat, many would turn to Christ for hope and salvation. Japan is a land with no obvious physical needs, and many numb out on technology, overwork, or other excesses to avoid thinking of spiritual things. Pray that the lost would look for hope and find Christ.

[1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…[3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1, 3–4)

Pray for wisdom

Pray for those in authority to have wisdom. It is easy to look at problems from something like the Princess Cruise and mock the bureaucracy and collectivism of Japan. However, we all depend on those in leadership to make the best decisions possible. Pray that they too would turn to Christ as they face these immense challenges. Pray for leaders of companies, schools, churches, and families to have wisdom as to how they should carry on with life amidst the presence of this disease.

[2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:2)

[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)

Pray for courage

Christians in Japan are watching with the rest of Japan to see what happens from here. Fear can cause Christians to cower from calling, check out by indulging in streaming entertainment or social media, obsess over potential threats, or crack under pressure. Pray that Christians would together be of good courage!

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)

[6] So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, [7] for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:6–7)

Thank you for encouraging us and strengthening us in this time of uncertainty. We pray for you as well!