President Trump Declares National Day of Prayer in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

On Friday, President Donald Trump decalred a national emergency in light of the coronavirus pandemic that has hit the United States and other countries.

Later, he asked Americans “to turn toward prayer in an act of faith” when he designated Sunday, March 15 as a National Day of Prayer.

On successive tweets on Twitter, the president wrote: “It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these….No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!”

In an email newsletter, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, lauded Trump for reminding Americans how the United States has looked to God for strength and protection in times like these.

“I am thankful to President Trump for recognizing the power of prayer and showing faith in the Lord to intervene on our behalf. With so much uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus around the world, people are afraid,” Graham said. “Now is the time for Christians to be strong and courageous, knowing that Almighty God is with us. As His Word instructs, we are to cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).”

Graham said that, although many churches will not assembling this Sunday due to coronavirus precautions, it should not prevent the Body of Christ from coming before the Lord, kneeling in prayer, and pouring our hearts out to Him.

“We need to pray for those who are sick and their families, for those who are living in fear and anxiousness, for the professionals who are providing medical care, for those working on treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, and for our leaders to act with wisdom and courage as they make vital decisions that impact each of our lives,” he said. “Please also lift up the President and our nation’s coronavirus task force headed by Vice President Mike Pence in prayer as they work closely and diligently with the myriad of issues related to this pandemic.”