[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 18, 2020)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 15345-15346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05798]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 53 / Wednesday, March 18, 2020 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 15345]]


                Proclamation 9997 of March 14, 2020

                
National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected 
                by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for Our National 
                Response Efforts

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In our times of greatest need, Americans have always 
                turned to prayer to help guide us through trials and 
                periods of uncertainty. As we continue to face the 
                unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, 
                millions of Americans are unable to gather in their 
                churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other 
                houses of worship. But in this time we must not cease 
                asking God for added wisdom, comfort, and strength, and 
                we must especially pray for those who have suffered 
                harm or who have lost loved ones. I ask you to join me 
                in a day of prayer for all people who have been 
                affected by the coronavirus pandemic and to pray for 
                God's healing hand to be placed on the people of our 
                Nation.

                As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and 
                well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember 
                that no problem is too big for God to handle. We should 
                all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7: 
                ``Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for 
                you.'' Let us pray that all those affected by the virus 
                will feel the presence of our Lord's protection and 
                love during this time. With God's help, we will 
                overcome this threat.

                On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took 
                other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the 
                Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the 
                coronavirus pandemic. I now encourage all Americans to 
                pray for those on the front lines of the response, 
                especially our Nation's outstanding medical 
                professionals and public health officials who are 
                working tirelessly to protect all of us from the 
                coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of 
                our courageous first responders, National Guard, and 
                dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the 
                health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, 
                State, and local leaders. We are confident that He will 
                provide them with the wisdom they need to make 
                difficult decisions and take decisive actions to 
                protect Americans all across the country. As we come to 
                our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in 
                Psalm 91: ``He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in 
                him will I trust.''

                As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no 
                burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to 
                bear with His help. Luke 1:37 promises that ``For with 
                God nothing shall be impossible,'' and those words are 
                just as true today as they have ever been. As one 
                Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we 
                face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and 
                love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge 
                stronger and more united than ever before. May God 
                bless each of you, and may God bless the United States 
                of America.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 
                2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans 
                Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our 
                National Response Efforts. I urge Americans of all 
                faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to 
                offer prayers for all those affected, including people 
                who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.

[[Page 15346]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2020-05798
Filed 3-17-20; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F0-P