Pray for Denmark

Danes report being some of the happiest people in the world. They greatly value equality and many feel a responsibility to care for everyone in their community. Denmark has some of the highest taxes in the world — up to half a person’s income — but many Danes support these taxes, expressing trust that these funds provide strong public services. They embrace hygge, a cultural idea that people should regularly enjoy pleasant places in the company of friends and family. Denmark has one of the world’s oldest monarchies, dating back more than a thousand years. Gorm the Old, a Viking, was Denmark’s first king. During his reign, he created Denmark’s Smaller Jelling Stone in memory of his wife, Thyra, calling her Denmark’s pride.

In Denmark, healthcare is free, but the aging population is increasing the need for care while fewer workers are available to provide it. These labor shortages are occurring all through Denmark’s economy. For many young adults, finding a home is difficult as housing costs are on the rise. Leaders have reduced building limits and have changed property taxes to encourage Danes to build more homes and help people find homes. Immigrants and refugees especially wonder if Denmark can be their home, as citizens argue over whether they can continue welcoming in foreigners while still preserving their way of life. Even though Danish culture offers people a calm community, one of every three Danes have sought out medical help before because of anxiety or depression. The nation’s healthcare system also makes abortion largely unrestricted, taking thousands of young lives each year.

Due in large part to the centuries-old, state-supported Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark’s laws and social values are rooted in Christian principles. While more than 70 percent of the population are members of the Church of Denmark, many of its members do not believe the Bible is the Word of God, and only a handful actually attend church. The church itself has strayed from biblical doctrine and into false teaching. Immigration is influencing religion in Denmark as well, bringing the number of Muslims to about five percent. At the same time, immigrants are also often the ones who are actively following Christ, establishing more than 150 churches in Denmark. Faithful foreign and local believers say Danes are more open to spiritual conversations than before. Pray that this growing interest would eventually lead to a great revival.