Trump Declares National Day of Prayer Amid Fight Against Coronavirus
President encourages citizens to 'turn towards prayer in an act of faith' on Sunday
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President Donald Trump has declared an official National Day of Prayer for this Sunday as America, and the world, continues to fight against the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
The National Day of Prayer will take place on Sunday, March 15, the president announced Friday.
“We are a country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these,” Trump wrote on Twitter, after making the official declaration.
Presdient Trump is encouraging all Americans to take time on Sunday to pray for their country and fellow citizens.
“No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith,” Trump wrote.
“Together, we will easily PREVAIL!”
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The president’s declaration immediately sparked anger from anti-religious critics but drew praise from people of faith.
The president on Friday declared a State of Emergency to help mobilize the country to fight the virus.
“The next eight weeks are critical. We can learn and we will turn a corner on this virus,” Trump said.
....No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2020
The annual National Day of Prayer is scheduled for May 7.
Trump's announcement came after he declared a national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, he revealed partnerships with several large companies to expand testing for the illness, according to Fox News.
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Trump has large support from Christians and Catholic voters.
As president, he's championed religious liberty and called for greater religious freedoms, such as strengthening prayer in public schools.
In addition to the updated guidance on prayer in schools, the Trump administration also took action across nine federal agencies, releasing proposed rules to ensure religious organizations are not discriminated against by the federal government.
"In America we celebrate faith. We cherish religion," he said during his State of the Union address last month.
"We lift our voices in prayer and we raise our sights to the glory of God."
