Pray for Belgium
The central square of Brussels, surrounded by grand old guild houses.
Photo: Celuici, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Belgium
The capital is Brussels. People speak Dutch, French and German. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Belgium
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
On 2 November Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered his resignation to King Philippe after budget talks in his five party coalition failed. The King consulted the party leaders, and on 6 November he refused the resignation and asked the coalition to resume budget talks immediately. De Wever must report back to the King on 16 November, and a 2027 budget is still needed before 31 December.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy. The King is Philippe and the Prime Minister is Bart De Wever, who leads a five party coalition formed in February 2025. He offered to resign on 2 November, but the King refused and sent the coalition back to agree a budget for the next three years.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The National Bank of Belgium expects steady growth of about 1% a year in 2026 and 2027, with unemployment staying at about 6%. It has described the outlook for public debt as worrying. The planned budget cuts, including reforms to pensions and the labour market, have led to strikes and protests by many workers.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Belgium is made up of the regions of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels, and its political life is shaped by its Dutch and French speaking communities. Brussels is home to a large Muslim community. The budget dispute has deepened tensions between the government and the unions, and the poorest families feel the pressure most.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
In a 2018 survey, about 57% of Belgians said they were Catholic and about 29% said they were nonbelievers, agnostics or atheists. About 7% were Muslim, and about 5% were Protestant or from other Christian churches, with small Orthodox, Jewish and Buddhist communities. About a quarter of the people of Brussels are Muslim. Christians are found in Catholic parishes and in growing evangelical and Pentecostal churches.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution protects freedom of religion. The state recognises and funds Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim and secular humanist communities, paying clergy salaries. A national law bans covering the face in public, and Flanders and Wallonia ban slaughter without prior stunning. The US State Department reports that reports of antisemitism rose sharply after 7 October 2023, and anti-Muslim incidents were also recorded.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
From 1885 to 1908, King Leopold II ruled the Congo Free State as his own territory, and Belgium then ruled it as a colony until 1960. Historians believe millions of people died through killing, hunger, disease and displacement. In 2020, King Philippe expressed his deepest regrets for the violence and cruelty of that time.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Belgium. Guide the coalition to an honest and fair budget, and bring calm and a fair way forward for workers and families. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to King Philippe, Prime Minister De Wever and all who lead. Provide for every household facing cuts and rising costs, and help the nation steward its debts honestly. Make the communities of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels one in respect, and protect migrants and the poor. Awaken hope in Jesus across the land, and strengthen Your people in every church. Keep believers of every background safe and free to worship. Heal the deep wounds of the colonial past in Congo, and lead both peoples in forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- AP via ABC News: Belgian prime minister quits after budget talks fail (Nov 2026)
- AP via WRAL: Belgium's king rejects prime minister's resignation (Nov 2026)
- Reuters via Internazionale: strike partly shuts public sector as budget deal delayed (Oct 2026)
- Brussels Times: new De Wever government sworn in (Feb 2025)
- Belga News Agency: National Bank forecasts growth of about 1% (2025)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Belgium
- Irish Times: King Philippe expresses deep regret for colonial past in Congo (June 2020)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Belgium and pray along.
Watch the PrayerCast video for Belgium
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