President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of Liberia has designated Friday, April 12, 2024, as “National Fast and Prayer Day,” to be observed as a national holiday across Liberia. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, this day is dedicated to supplication, prayer, fasting, and meditation, with the aim of uniting the nation in seeking divine guidance and blessings for the common good.

The proclamation encourages people of all religious affiliations to gather in their places of worship, dressed simply and humbly, to observe fasting, prayer, and reflection from 8 a.m. All public offices, businesses, and marketplaces will remain closed during this period, as citizens and foreign residents alike pause their usual activities to acknowledge God’s love and guidance.

The proclamation highlights Liberia’s recent achievements in democratic principles, particularly the peaceful exercise of the right to vote during the last election, which marked the country’s second democratic transfer of power in over 70 years. It emphasizes the importance of resilience in democratic institutions as a model for the region and the world.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by other nations due to natural disasters and conflicts, the proclamation expresses gratitude for Liberia’s preservation and calls for prayers for those living in difficult conditions, both domestically and in the diaspora.

This proclamation aligns with Liberia’s Patriotic and Cultural Observances Law, designating the second Friday in April each year as “National Fast and Prayer Day,” underscoring its significance as a day of fasting and prayer for the nation’s prosperity.