Fast And Prayer Day
Fast and Prayer Day is a holiday in Liberia that’s observed on the second Friday of April. The purpose of this holiday is for people to reflect on their spiritual lives and to purify the nation through religious fasting.
In Liberia, it’s believed that if each person in the nation dedicates one day out of the year to praying and fasting for the country, then they can have a real impact on the survival and strength of the nation. It’s also a public holiday, which means that government buildings, schools, and businesses are closed for the day.
The History of Fast and Prayer Day in Liberia
This holiday can be traced back to 1883 when the National Legislature of Liberia enacted a law that made the second Friday in April a National Fast and Prayer Day. The holiday was created because the people of Liberia felt that the nation could use a little bit of extra help, and that extra help was the power of everyone praying and fasting at the same time.
Interesting Facts About Liberia
Let’s go over some of the interesting things that we learned about this country while researching Fast and Prayer Day.
- Liberia was established by the American Colonization Society in 1821.
- Liberian independence was proclaimed in 1847.
- The capital city of Liberia is Monrovia.
- The flag of Liberia is modeled after the flag of the United States.
Observing the History of Fast and Prayer Day in Liberia
As the name of this holiday suggests, the main way it’s celebrated is through fasting, prayer, meditation, and supplication. Everyone in the country is encouraged to pray for Liberia on this day—regardless of their religious creed. Because it’s a public holiday, all government buildings and schools are closed on this day, as are many businesses.