Pray for Panama
Panama City, the capital
Photo: Dronepicr, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Panama
The capital is Panama City. People speak Spanish, with indigenous languages and English. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Panama
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
On 9 October a strong earthquake struck near Tonosí, in the south of Panama, measured at magnitude 7.5 by the University of Panama, and more than 200 aftershocks followed. No deaths were reported, but at least 27 people were injured, and emergency authorities said nearly 900 homes and at least 14 bridges in Veraguas and Los Santos were damaged. The government declared a national state of emergency, allowing up to 100 million US dollars for relief.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Panama is a presidential republic, and President José Raúl Mulino has led the nation since 2024. Tensions with the United States over the Canal in 2025 have eased, and Panama has signed a security agreement with the United States and left China's Belt and Road Initiative. The future of the Canal ports and of a large closed copper mine are key questions.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The economy grew about 5.5% in the first half of 2026, helped by Canal tolls, transport and trade. Yet unemployment is about 8%, nearly six in ten jobs are informal, and about one in five people live in poverty. Economists say growth has not created formal jobs at the same pace, and the Cobre Panamá mine has been closed since 2023.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
The gap between those who share in growth and those who do not is a deep concern. The pension reform of 2025 brought protests and strikes by construction workers, teachers and banana workers. Families in remote and coastal communities, including those cut off after the earthquake, are among the most vulnerable.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Most Panamanians are Christian. Government estimates in the 2019 US State Department report put about 70% of people as Catholic and about 18% as evangelical Protestant. Churches and other faith groups often work together, as the State Department report notes.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
The constitution protects freedom of religion and forbids religious discrimination. Catholicism is recognised as the faith of most citizens but is not the state religion. Public schools teach Catholic religion, and parents may exempt their children. Some non-Catholic groups have raised concerns about fair treatment, but different faiths cooperate, such as in a shared prayer for peace before the 2019 election.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
From the early 1980s General Manuel Noriega held power in Panama as its military leader. In December 1989 the United States invaded and removed him, and in 1990 the armed forces were abolished. Panama took full charge of the Canal on 31 December 1999. These years left painful memories for many families.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for Panama. Comfort and protect all who were shaken by the earthquake, and help those cut off to receive what they need. Give President José Raúl Mulino and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice. Provide good and steady work for every family, and let growth reach the poor. Bring peace where there is division, and protect the vulnerable in remote places. Draw many hearts to You, and let Your truth be made known in every province. Keep every believer free to worship, and let churches walk together in love. Heal the wounds of the past, and lead Panama in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Reuters via Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Panama suffers over 200 aftershocks (October 2026)
- PAHO: situation report 2, earthquake in Panama (October 2026)
- Wikipedia: 2026 in Panama
- Americas Quarterly: Panama, a 2026 snapshot (January 2026)
- Rio Times: Panama GDP growth in the first half of 2026 (September 2026)
- US State Department: Panama 2019 International Religious Freedom Report
- Wikipedia: United States invasion of Panama
- Panama Canal Authority: history of the Panama Canal
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Panama and pray along.
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