Pray for Papua New Guinea

About Papua New Guinea

The capital is Port Moresby. People speak Tok Pisin, English, Hiri Motu and about 840 local languages. The largest faith is Christianity.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Papua New Guinea

Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.

Current events

A very strong El Nino is expected to peak between late 2026 and early 2027, bringing a high risk of drought and frost, especially in the Highlands, and water shortages have already been reported along the Fly River. In August the Cabinet approved funds for provinces that may be hit by drought. In July, 27 of 29 passengers died when two boats sank on the way from the Duke of York Islands to Kokopo. Parliament has delayed its vote on the future of Bougainville.

We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.

Leadership and politics

Papua New Guinea is a parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm. King Charles III is head of state, represented by Governor-General Bob Dadae, and James Marape is Prime Minister. Parliament is debating the ratification of the 2019 Bougainville referendum, and leaders on all sides have called for unity and dialogue. The next national election is due in 2027.

We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.

Economic health

The economy is forecast to grow about 4.6% in 2026, led by mining, farming and construction, and gold exports have reached record levels. Inflation is expected to rise above 5% as food, fuel and transport costs climb and the kina weakens. About 80 to 85% of people live in rural areas and depend mainly on informal work, and economists say strong growth has not fully reached ordinary households.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

Papua New Guinea has about 840 languages, more than any other nation, and most people live in rural communities. Tribal fighting in the Highlands remains a grief, and in February 2024 at least 53 people were killed in clashes there. Violence linked to sorcery accusations and gender-based violence harm many women and girls, and church leaders have publicly condemned these attacks.

We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.

Spiritual landscape

About 98% of people identify as Christian, according to the 2011 census. The largest churches are Catholic (about 26%), Evangelical Lutheran (about 18%), Seventh-day Adventist (about 13%), Pentecostal (about 10%) and United Church (about 10%). Churches run about 60% of schools and health services, and small Baha'i, Muslim and traditional belief communities are also present.

We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.

Religious freedom

The constitution protects freedom of conscience and religion and refers to Christian principles in its preamble. The US State Department reports that people are generally free to worship, and religious groups register to gain legal and tax benefits. There has been public debate about naming the nation a Christian country in the constitution. A parliamentary study estimated that about 400 people are accused of sorcery each year and about 65 are killed.

We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.

Historical wounds

The land was divided under German, British and then Australian rule, and the New Guinea campaign of World War II brought great loss of life. Papua New Guinea became independent on 16 September 1975. The Bougainville conflict, which began in 1988 and became a civil war, left deep wounds before the 2001 Bougainville Peace Agreement.

We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Papua New Guinea. Protect families from drought and hunger, and comfort all who grieve after the boat disaster. Give wisdom, integrity and justice to those in authority, and guide the talks on Bougainville in peace. Provide for every rural family and let growth reach the poorest homes. Bring an end to tribal fighting and sorcery violence, and protect women and children. Let Your truth and hope grow in every church and village. Keep believers free to worship, heal the wounds of war and conflict, and lead this nation in forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

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