In a move aimed at fostering unity and seeking divine intervention, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of the Republic of Liberia, has designated Friday, April 12, 2024, as “National Fast and Prayer Day.”
This declaration transforms the day into a national holiday, urging citizens to engage in acts of supplication, fasting, and meditation.
The announcement, conveyed by the Foreign Ministry, underscores the significance of collective prayer in achieving common goals for the nation and its people. All religious denominations, regardless of creed, are encouraged to assemble in their respective places of worship from 8 a.m., dressed in simple attire, to participate in the day of solemn reflection.
During the observance, all public offices, businesses, and marketplaces will remain closed, allowing citizens and foreign residents alike to pause from their daily routines in acknowledgment of divine guidance and grace.
The proclamation emphasizes Liberia’s recent milestone in achieving its second democratic transfer of power, highlighting the resilience of its democratic institutions as an exemplar for the region and beyond. It also reflects on the nation’s gratitude for being spared from natural disasters and crises that have afflicted other parts of the world.
Additionally, the proclamation calls for prayers for Liberians living abroad, many of whom face uncertain circumstances, as well as remembrance for those who have sacrificed for the nation.
This presidential decree aligns with Liberia’s Patriotic and Cultural Observances Law, designating the second Friday in April each year as a day for fasting and prayer, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to prosperity and unity through spiritual reflection.
