National Fast and Prayer Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Liberia

National Fast and Prayer Day is observed on the second Friday of April as a national holiday in Liberia. This year’s event occurs on April 14. It is a day of fasting, prayer, meditation, and supplication devoted to collective reflection and self-discipline. On this day, it is recommended that government buildings, commercial enterprises, and public markets remain closed. All citizens across the nation, regardless of their religious beliefs, are urged to congregate in harmony at their respective places of worship. Gather with your family or acquaintances to celebrate the holiday.

The background of National Fast and Prayer Day

National Fast and Prayer Day was observed in accordance with a law passed by the Liberian legislature in 1883, designating the second Friday of April as “National Fast and Prayer Day” for the protection and well-being of the nation and its people with penitent reverence for God. Typically, the day is observed with supplication, meditation, fasting, and prayer. Citizens and foreign residents are urged to pause from their daily occupations and pastimes to acknowledge and advance God’s compassion and direction.

Each year, the President of Liberia proclaims this national holiday. Originally, Fast and Prayer Day was a Christian observance. Today, however, the holiday is open to all residents, regardless of their religious beliefs. The fast begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 6:00 p.m. People will gather in places of worship, and some will don sackcloth and ashes, as described in the Bible. This day is dedicated to praying for the prosperity, guidance, protection, and harmony of the nation.

The day is devoted to contemplation and self-discipline, which can be achieved through prayer, fasting, and meditation. Prayer is a means to reflect on oneself, pondering one’s needs, deficiencies, and desires while addressing them to the omnipotent God. In addition, fasting or meditation can teach an individual self-discipline. Meditation, like fasting, requires a significant commitment. And both employ the same strategy, which is restraint. During fasting, one refrains from eating and drinking, and during meditation, one attempts to concentrate while avoiding intrusive unwanted thoughts. Self-discipline can be acquired if a person effectively fasts and meditates.

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5 LIBERIA FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Liberia derives from the Latin word liber, meaning ‘free.’

Similar to the American flag, the flag of the Republic of Liberia consists of one enormous star and eleven stripes.

The Liberian pygmy hippopotamus is a diminutive hippopotamid that is classified as an endangered species.

Liberia’s indigenous population consists of sixteen different ethnic groups.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts, a Norfolk, Virginia-born African-American, was the first president of Liberia.

NATIONAL FAST AND PRAYER DAY DATES