Pray for Brunei
The capital of Brunei, on the island of Borneo.
Photo: Pangalau, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Brunei
The capital is Bandar Seri Begawan. People speak Malay. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Brunei
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Smoke haze from regional fires has affected air quality in Brunei, and in late September the armed forces postponed a large exercise because of the haze and hot weather. On 6 October the nation mourned the death of Pengiran Anak Zariah, wife of Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, and flags were lowered.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Brunei is an absolute monarchy led by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Power rests with the Sultan, and decisions of state are announced through his office. There are no national elections in the way many other countries hold them.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
Oil and gas provide more than half of the economy and almost all exports. Growth slowed to about 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026, as oil and gas output eased and services shrank. The government is working to build other sources of income, such as farming, fisheries, halal products and tourism.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Brunei is a small nation where Malay Muslim identity shapes public life, and Islamic education is required from an early age. Families and communities are close, which brings strength, but people who change their faith can face strong pressure at home and in the community.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Most people in Brunei are Muslim, and Islam is at the centre of national life. Open Doors estimates there are about 53,000 Christians. Churches outside the traditional denominations cannot register and must operate as companies, societies or family centres.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The Syariah Penal Code took effect on 3 April 2019. It applies to all Muslims, raises penalties for blasphemy and makes Friday prayers a legal duty for Muslims. Leaving Islam is a crime, though a moratorium on the death penalty remains. Evangelism is restricted, and Open Doors ranks Brunei 50th on its World Watch List.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Brunei became fully independent from Britain in 1984. Since then the wealth of oil and gas has shaped national life, and finding a future beyond oil is a long term challenge for the next generation.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Brunei. Give clean air, good health and comfort to all who grieve. Grant wisdom, integrity and justice to the Sultan and all who serve in government. Provide for every family, and bless the work of building new jobs beyond oil and gas. Strengthen families and protect those who are vulnerable or alone. Let Your hope and truth be made known in every home. Keep believers safe and give them freedom to worship. Bring healing and peace to this nation for the generations to come. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Brunei and pray along.
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