Pray for Venezuela
The highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world, in south-east Venezuela.
Photo: Rich Childs, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About Venezuela
The capital is Caracas. People speak Spanish, with many indigenous languages. The largest faith is Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for Venezuela
Last updated November 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
On 22 October thousands of people marched in Caracas and other cities in the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years, calling for free elections, an election timetable and the release of political prisoners. No dates for presidential or parliamentary elections have been announced. Foro Penal estimates that hundreds of people are still held for political reasons despite this year’s amnesty law. Families along the northern coast are still rebuilding after the June earthquakes.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
Venezuela is a presidential republic. Since a US military operation captured Nicolás Maduro on 3 January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez, his vice president, has served as acting president under an order of the Supreme Tribunal. In September she told the UN General Assembly that elections will happen but gave no date, and her government has begun a political dialogue with opposition groups. Relations with the United States have changed quickly, including new agreements on oil.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The IMF expected the economy to grow about 4% in 2026, but also expected inflation of nearly 400%, among the highest in the world. Poverty was about 71% in 2023 by one regional measure. Oil is the main source of income, at about 1 million barrels a day, and in August the two governments agreed a deal giving the United States a stake in oil reserves.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
About 6.9 million Venezuelans were living in other countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025, and the UN regional plan for 2026 expects about 5.4 million of them to need help. Many families are divided across borders and long to be together again. The earthquakes have added new grief and homelessness, especially along the northern coast.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
Venezuela has no recent official religious census. One sociologist estimates about 82 to 84% Catholic and about 10 to 12% evangelical or Protestant, based on a 2016 study, while the US State Department cited about 96% Catholic in its 2023 report. Some people mix Catholic faith with folk devotions such as María Lionza, and evangelical churches have been growing.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported in March 2026 that religious leaders are still at times harassed or detained, and that some groups that refused government benefits faced discrimination. It also described strained relations between the government and Catholic leaders, including refused residence permits for church workers. In early 2026 an amnesty law for political offences since 1999 was signed, and some prisoners have been released.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
Venezuela has lived through deep political division for more than two decades, including a failed coup attempt in 2002 and a constitutional crisis in 2017. Years of economic hardship led millions of people to leave the country. The events of January 2026 and the earthquakes of June have added new wounds 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 Venezuela. Comfort all who lost loved ones in the earthquakes, and give homes and safety to those who lost everything. Give Delcy Rodríguez and all in authority wisdom, integrity and justice, and lead the nation on a peaceful path that serves all its people. Provide for every family, ease the burden of rising prices, and let the wealth of the land bless the poor. Hold close the millions who have left, reunite divided families, and bring reconciliation between all sides. Protect believers and church leaders, and give them freedom and courage to worship and serve. Heal the old wounds of division, and lead Venezuela in forgiveness and hope. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- AP via St. Louis Public Radio: acting leader promises elections (Sept 2026)
- News of Bahrain: Venezuelans demand elections in first national protest in nearly two years (Oct 2026)
- AFP via Khaleej Times: earthquake toll one month later (July 2026)
- Valora Analitik: IMF forecast for Venezuela (Apr 2026)
- Americas Quarterly: Venezuela, a 2026 snapshot (Jan 2026)
- UN RMRP 2026: Venezuelan refugees and migrants
- NCR: the religious landscape of Venezuela (2024)
- Baptist and Reflector: CSW report on religious freedom (Mar 2026)
More ways to pray
PrayerCast shares short prayer videos for the nations. Watch its video for Venezuela and pray along.
Watch the PrayerCast video for Venezuela
It opens on prayercast.com in a new tab. If it does not open the page for Venezuela, search for the nation on PrayerCast.
Is something on this page not right? Tell us
Share a prayer request for Venezuela
Is there something you would like us to pray for in Venezuela? Tell us, and we will pray with you. You choose whether we may publish it or keep it private.