Nov 2008
War in the Heavenlies
November/19/08 Filed in: Intercession | Local Church Ministry
“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.” Psalm 138:1-3
Waging War in the Heavenlies
Two and a half million “gods” are worshipped every day at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine. These “divinities” are the souls of men who sacrificed their lives for their country during wars since 1853. Every day they are given offerings of meals and dedications of praise.
Needless to say, the spiritual atmosphere around Yasukuni, translated “Peaceful Country,” is very oppressive and dark. I, Alice, recently accompanied a team of Taiwanese young people on a prayer walk around this spiritual stronghold.
For most Taiwanese and others from Asian countries who suffered under past Japanese Imperialism, Yasukuni Shrine might not be on the top of the “to do” list when visiting Tokyo. Fourteen class A war criminals are among the “gods” enshrined here. The prime ministers’ visits to pray to these heroes who committed horrible war crimes are slaps in the face to surrounding Asian countries.
Also, Taiwanese who were forced to serve with the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II are enshrined at Yasukuni. There has been much controversy, as their relatives want them back. Yasukuni refuses to give them up.
Knowing this history, I felt so privileged to be able to accompany these young Taiwanese who have a heart for Japan, and who want to pray for healing over this nation. But, because of the sensitive circumstances, we had to be very careful. The students spoke only in English to each other and we entered in small groups.
Most tourists simply walk through the gate and take photos in front of the shrine. We, however, trying to be inconspicuous, walked around behind the shrine. This is the closest that tourists can get to where the actual “gods” are enshrined. As we walked deeper into the inner garden, I felt the darkness envelop us. It was hard to even breathe.
We sat in small groups on benches to pray, take communion, and to even pour out some of the wine on the ground in symbolism of God’s work over this area. At first, I physically felt pressure on my face as I tried to open my mouth and pray. But, after a few moments, all I could do was praise Jesus, over and over again in English. His name on my lips became easier and easier to proclaim. A Japanese sister was on my left, and Taiwanese Christians were on my right, each praising God in their own tongue.
What a glorious experience, to actually feel the oppression pushed back as Jesus’ Light was penetrating the darkness! What a beautiful sight, to see Taiwanese Christians asking God’s mercy and forgiveness over Japan.
Please pray for more opportunities like this and for more prayer warriors to come and help in this spiritual battle for Japan.
Waging War in the Heavenlies
Two and a half million “gods” are worshipped every day at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine. These “divinities” are the souls of men who sacrificed their lives for their country during wars since 1853. Every day they are given offerings of meals and dedications of praise.
Needless to say, the spiritual atmosphere around Yasukuni, translated “Peaceful Country,” is very oppressive and dark. I, Alice, recently accompanied a team of Taiwanese young people on a prayer walk around this spiritual stronghold.
For most Taiwanese and others from Asian countries who suffered under past Japanese Imperialism, Yasukuni Shrine might not be on the top of the “to do” list when visiting Tokyo. Fourteen class A war criminals are among the “gods” enshrined here. The prime ministers’ visits to pray to these heroes who committed horrible war crimes are slaps in the face to surrounding Asian countries.
Also, Taiwanese who were forced to serve with the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II are enshrined at Yasukuni. There has been much controversy, as their relatives want them back. Yasukuni refuses to give them up.
Knowing this history, I felt so privileged to be able to accompany these young Taiwanese who have a heart for Japan, and who want to pray for healing over this nation. But, because of the sensitive circumstances, we had to be very careful. The students spoke only in English to each other and we entered in small groups.
Most tourists simply walk through the gate and take photos in front of the shrine. We, however, trying to be inconspicuous, walked around behind the shrine. This is the closest that tourists can get to where the actual “gods” are enshrined. As we walked deeper into the inner garden, I felt the darkness envelop us. It was hard to even breathe.
We sat in small groups on benches to pray, take communion, and to even pour out some of the wine on the ground in symbolism of God’s work over this area. At first, I physically felt pressure on my face as I tried to open my mouth and pray. But, after a few moments, all I could do was praise Jesus, over and over again in English. His name on my lips became easier and easier to proclaim. A Japanese sister was on my left, and Taiwanese Christians were on my right, each praising God in their own tongue.
What a glorious experience, to actually feel the oppression pushed back as Jesus’ Light was penetrating the darkness! What a beautiful sight, to see Taiwanese Christians asking God’s mercy and forgiveness over Japan.
Please pray for more opportunities like this and for more prayer warriors to come and help in this spiritual battle for Japan.
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