6th February 2026

Unprecedented snowfall across large parts of Japan has caused homes to collapse and disrupted daily life.   Authorities said 36 people had died in snow-related incidents across Japan since 20 January, with almost 400 injured, 126 of them seriously. Snow is 6.5 feet (2m) in depth in some places bringing chaos to 15 of the country’s 47 prefectures. On Sunday, 16 centimetres of snow fell in just three hours on Aomori City. In some areas, accumulation reached 183 centimetres in one day, breaking a 40-year record set in 1986. Emergency vehicles were struggling to get through to people in difficulty, forcing emergency workers to carry stretchers on foot. In addition to the current difficulties there is fear of avalanches as the snow melts. More snow is forecast in some areas this weekend.

Loving God, we bring to you our concerns for our neighbours in Japan struggling with heavy snow.  We pray that all who are isolated, and all who are earful, may be comforted by your presence.  May all who are vulnerable and frail, in need of personal care each day, be particularly cared for. We ask your protection for those who need to venture through the snow, clearing roads, ensuring power supplies, or bringing food to people unable to leave their homes. Through the challenges the people face may love, compassion, and unity be demonstrated, and community strengthened. We also pray that melting snow will not create destructive avalanches or flooding. We ask that you will hold the people of Japan in your loving care. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

157 Ukrainians, seven of them civilians and 139 understood to have ben held captive since 2022, and 157 Russian soldiers held by Ukraine have been returned to their respective homelands following two days of peace talks in Abu Dhabi. No breakthrough in the talks for a ceasefire has been reported.  The meetings mark the most substantive engagement between senior delegations from Russia and Ukraine in months, pointing to a revival of diplomatic efforts nearly four years into the war. 

Psalm 63: 1-7 (CEV)

You are my God. I worship you.

In my heart, I long for you,

as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert.

I have seen your power and your glory

in the place of worship.

Your love means more than life to me,

and I praise you.

As long as I live, I will pray to you.

I will sing joyful praises

and be filled with excitement

like a guest at a banquet.

I think about you before I go to sleep,

and my thoughts turn to you during the night.

You have helped me,

and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings.

I stay close to you,

and your powerful arm supports me.