On Friday, April 12, 2024, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the President of Liberia, has officially declared it as “National Fast and Prayer Day,” a significant occasion to be observed throughout the nation.
This proclamation emphasizes the importance of supplication, prayer, fasting, and meditation to unify the efforts of the people towards the advancement of the nation, the state, and its people.
According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, this day is designated for citizens of all religious backgrounds to come together in their respective places of worship, dressed simply and without extravagance, to engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection starting from 8 o’clock in the morning.
The proclamation mandates the closure of public offices, businesses, and marketplaces during this period, urging all citizens and residents to cease their usual activities as a gesture of recognition for God’s guidance and love.
The declaration highlights the recent democratic achievements of Liberia, particularly the peaceful transfer of power through elections, showcasing the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions as a beacon of hope for the region and beyond. Additionally, it acknowledges the challenges faced by other nations due to natural disasters and conflicts, expressing gratitude for Liberia’s spared afflictions.
The proclamation also underscores the importance of remembering those Liberians living in uncertain conditions abroad, as well as honoring those who have sacrificed for the nation. It reaffirms the nation’s tradition of humble submission to God for guidance, protection, and peace in all aspects of national life.
Furthermore, this declaration aligns with Liberia’s laws regarding patriotic and cultural observances, specifically Chapter One of the Patriotic and Cultural Observances Law, which designates the second Friday of April each year as “National Fast and Prayer Day,” dedicated to fasting and prayer for the prosperity of the nation.
