President George M. Weah has called on all prelates, priests, elders, deacons, evangelists, imams and all residents, regardless of religious creed, to gather with one accord in their places of worship, in each city, town village, hamlet and home, within the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia, in simple and non-costly apparel to fast, pray and meditate from 8 o’clock in the morning until 6 o’clock p.m.
President Weah’s call was contained in his proclamation on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, declaring Friday, April 9, 2021 National Fast and Prayer Day, to be observed as a national holiday—a day of supplication, prayer, fasting and meditation.
In his proclamation, President Weah said, “Whereas, the Patriotic and Cultural Observances Law of the Republic of Liberia, Chapter one, declaring the Second Friday in the month of April of each as ‘National Fast and Prayer Day’, as a day of fasting and praying for the prosperity of the nation; Whereas, the people of the Republic of Liberia have always submitted themselves in humble contrition to the Almighty God for guidance and protection, as well as for peace in their national life and affairs; Whereas, there have been unusual and extraordinary outbreaks of natural phenomena and man provoked national crises that have caused much harm, devastation and destruction in many parts of the world, from which our nation has been spared by the Grace of God; and, Whereas, there are still large number of our kiths and kins living in uncertain conditions in the Diaspora, and the need for remembrance in prayers of those who have made the supreme sacrifice remains unfulfilled:
“Now, therefore, I, Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby declare and proclaim Friday, April 9, 2021, as ‘National Fast and Prayer Day’, to be observed as a national holiday, a day of supplication, prayer, fasting and meditation so that our efforts, as a people, may be crowned with great achievements to the common cause of the nation, the state and our common humanity.”
Fast and Prayer Day is a national holiday observed in Liberia on the second Friday in April. This day is a religious holiday dedicated to collective reflection and self-discipline.
The holiday was first observed in 1883 when an Act of the National Legislature was passed into law declaring the second Friday in April of each year as “National Fast and Prayer Day” for the safety and welfare of the Nation and its people with penitent reverence to God.
The Day is observed as a day of supplication, prayer, fasting and meditation for the common cause of the nation, the state and humanity.
In accordance with the law, each year the President of Liberia issues a proclamation for this holiday in the days before the date.
Though Liberia is a predominately Christian country, the annual Proclamation calls on all Prelates, Priests, Elders, Deacons, Evangelists, Imams and all residents, regardless of religious creed, to gather with one accord in their respective places of worship within the territorial confines of Liberia in simple and non-costly apparel to fast, pray and meditate commencing at 8:00 a.m.
The Proclamation orders all public offices, business houses and market places to remain closed on this day, while citizens and foreign residents cease from their daily occupations and avocations in further recognition of God’s love and guidance for the nation.