Guatemala

Capital: Guatemala City

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 108,889 km2

Population: 18.2 million

HDI Rank: 127 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 9 million (50%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 7.5 million (41%)

Other: 3.7 million (9%)

General Information:

Over half of the population of Guatemala are indigenous, having descended from the Mayan civilization. The other half are Ladino people. Guatemala was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century and it claimed independence from Spain in 1821. The country is famous for its volcanoes. It is known for its beautiful handicrafts such as clothing, pottery, and woodworking. The country is also the world’s leading producer of Jade and Blue Denim. Guatemalan currency is named after its national bird “Quetzal”. Guatemala has one of the highest murder rates in all Latin America. Most popular sport is soccer.

Religious Background:

There no official state religion in Guatemala and there is a freedom of religion to all citizens. However, the country’s Constitution recognizes the legitimacy of the Catholic Church but other religious affiliations have to be approved by the government regulators. At the end of the civil war, missionary activities heightened in Guatemala and Evangelicals have greatly grown since the 1960s. The denominations have lived in a mutual coexistence with little friction among them. Heavily attended fairs and religious festivals are scheduled throughout the year.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was introduced into the country by the Spanish colonialists in the 16th century and remained the predominant religion in the country until the 20th century. It is common for relevant Mayan practices to be incorporated into Catholic ceremonies and worship. Within this Catholic Church, there are also a large number of Charismatic Catholics. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 12 dioceses and 448 parishes. Patron saints: James Major, Our Lady of the Rosary.

Prayer Points

1. Guatemalans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 9 million Catholics in Guatemala.
Catholicism is syncretized with Mayan religions. Pray that God would put a desire in their hearts to look past their traditions, and trust in Jesus alone.
Pray that God’s greatness and glory will be revealed in the country and multitudes will experience His love and forgiveness as they embrace the gospel.
Pray that Catholics would turn to the Savior in repentance and follow Christ alone in obedience to His word alone.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 448 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,071 priests, 1,040 brothers and 2,645 sisters.
Pray that Catholics will trust the Holy Spirit to teach them and guide them into all truth.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

There is a rise in church planting among indigenous groups. All tribes in Guatemala have been reached with the gospel. Pray that the new believers will be deeply rooted in the word of God and they would be well discipled. Souls are ripe for the gospel. Ask God for laborers, and pray that God would place strong believers as gospel bearers in their lives.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Mara gangs, drug traffickers, organized crimes, "social cleansing" by death squads are all part of normal life in Guatemala. The police have no control. Half the population is living in poverty. Pray for justice and peace to prevail in the country.

5. Other Religions

Mormonism, Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witness, Traditional Maya Religion, and Buddhism have small communities. Non-religious population is increasing. Pray for the gospel to reach every person, through every possible means and avenues.