Pray for Kiribati

About Kiribati

The capital is South Tarawa. People speak Gilbertese (Kiribati) and English. The largest faith is Christianity.

Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.

Prayer briefing for Kiribati

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

Current events

Kiribati is a nation of low-lying atolls, and families on crowded South Tarawa face pressure on clean water and land. In October 2026 the national men's football team won its first international title, a moment of joy for the nation.

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

Leadership and politics

Kiribati is a republic led by a President elected by the people. President Taneti Maamau won a third term in October 2024 with about 55% of the vote, and the Vice President is Teuea Toatu. In August 2026 reports said the government is considering a constitutional change about its foreign relations.

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

Economic health

The Asian Development Bank expects growth of about 3% in 2026, with inflation near 4%. The government depends heavily on fishing licence fees and aid, and many families rely on money sent home by seafarers and workers abroad.

We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.

Social and cultural issues

More than half of the people live on Tarawa, one of the most crowded places in the Pacific, and only about two in three people have clean water. The Banaban people, moved to Rabi Island in Fiji after the Second World War, still live far from their home island.

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

Spiritual landscape

The 2020 census found about 59% Catholic, about 21% Kiribati Uniting Church, about 8% Kiribati Protestant Church and about 6% Latter-day Saints, with small Baha'i and other communities. Faith is part of everyday island life.

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

Religious freedom

Kiribati is a secular state and its constitution protects freedom of religion, which the US State Department says the government generally respects. Two islands, Arorae and Tamana, keep a tradition of only one church building, but people of other faiths may worship freely in their homes.

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

Historical wounds

The islands were under British rule until independence in 1979. Phosphate mining stripped Banaba, the Battle of Tarawa in 1943 was among the bloodiest of the Pacific war, and Britain and the United States tested nuclear weapons near Kiritimati in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

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

Let us pray together

Our Father, we come to You together for Kiribati. Protect the islands, give clean water and keep every family safe beside the sea. Give President Maamau and all leaders wisdom, integrity and justice. Provide work and daily bread for every household, and bless the seafarers and workers far from home. Bring care and fairness to crowded Tarawa, and comfort the Banaban people who live far from their island. Let Your hope and truth fill every church and home. Keep freedom of worship safe for all. Heal the wounds of war, mining and nuclear testing, and lead Kiribati in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sources

More ways to pray

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