Pray for Latvia
The capital of Latvia, whose old town is a World Heritage Site.
Photo: Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Latvia
The capital is Riga. People speak Latvian and Russian. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Latvia
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
Latvians voted for a new parliament on 3 October. The United List of Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs won the most seats of any party since independence in 1991, and turnout was about 52%, lower than in 2022. President Edgars Rinkēvičs has begun talks with the six parties that won seats about forming a new government.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Latvia is a parliamentary republic. The President is Edgars Rinkēvičs and the Prime Minister is Andris Kulbergs, a businessman who took office in May 2026 and is expected to lead the next coalition. He has promised less bureaucracy, lower public spending, continued support for Ukraine and defence spending of 5% of GDP.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
Latvia's economy has grown more slowly than its Baltic neighbours for more than a decade. Growth was about 2.1% in 2025 and is expected to be about 1.4% in 2026, as higher energy prices slow things down. Inflation is about 3.5% to 4% and unemployment is about 7%, so many families feel the cost of living.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Latvia has a large ethnic Russian minority. Reports say some oppose the war in Ukraine while others feel that some policies are unfair to them, and cost of living worries are strong among Russian speakers. Building trust between communities is a real need.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
The US State Department reports that about 38% of people are Lutheran, about 18% Catholic and about 14% Latvian Orthodox, mostly Russian speakers, with about 29% having no religious affiliation (figures reported in 2023). Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists and Old Believers are also present, and there is a Jewish community of about 7,400 people.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and separates church and state. Eight traditional groups, including Lutherans, Catholics, Orthodox, Old Believers, Baptists, Methodists, Adventists and Jews, have extra rights. A 2022 law made the Latvian Orthodox Church independent of any church outside the country. Jehovah's Witnesses have faced investigation and object to the terms of alternative service.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Latvia was annexed by the Soviet Union during World War II. In June 1941 more than 15,000 people were deported to Siberia, and a larger wave followed in 1949, and President Rinkēvičs has said four in ten deportees died in exile. About 70,000 Latvian Jews were killed in the Holocaust, including at Rumbula Forest.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Latvia. Guide the forming of a new government, and keep the nation calm and safe. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to President Rinkēvičs, Prime Minister Kulbergs and every new member of parliament. Provide for families who feel the cost of living, and give honest stewardship of the nation's resources. Bring Latvians and Russian speakers together in trust, and protect the poor and the elderly. Let the hope of Jesus come alive in every congregation and home. Keep every believer free and safe to worship. Heal the wounds of deportation and the Holocaust, and lead Latvia in forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Reuters via The Star: Latvian PM on track to lead coalition after election win (Oct 2026)
- Qatar Tribune: Latvian president holds talks with six parties (Oct 2026)
- European Commission: Latvia spring forecast (May 2026)
- US State Department: 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom, Latvia
- Newswav: Baltic States mark 85th anniversary of Soviet deportations (June 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Latvia and pray along.
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