View source for National Day of Prayer

{{Infobox holiday
| image=
| caption=
| holiday_name= National Day of Prayer and Fasting
| nickname=
Day of Prayer 
| significance=
The day of national prayers, peace and reconciliation
| observedby= [[Zambia]]
| scheduling= same day each year
| date = October 18
| duration = 1 day
| frequency = Annual
| mdy = yes
| celebrations = Prayer, Worship and fasting
| type = National
}}

The '''National Day of Prayer and fasting''' or '''National Prayer Day''' is an annual day of observance held on the 18th of October designated by the  government of Zambia. 

==History==
The fall observance was established by [[President Lungu]] as an official national holiday in 2015 for prayers, peace and reconciliation.
The [[Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia]] (EFZ) executive director Pukuta Mwanza said the declaration of October 18 would help strengthen Zambia as a Christian Nation.
Bishop Ndhlovu described the designation of the public holiday as the greatest gift that Mr Lungu had given to the Zambian people.
[[MMD]] president [[Nevers Mumba]] also welcomed the declaration of [[October 18]] as the day of national prayer and fasting, saying there was nothing wrong to have a public holiday dedicated to prayers.

In 2017 President Lungu 
officiated the national day of prayer in Kitwe.

==Observance==
The National Day of Prayer and Fasting is celebrated by Zambians of Christians religion of many denominations, Protestants and Catholics, but is more heavily on the Pentecostal church's. On the National Day of Prayer, many Zambians assemble in prayer at stadiums as well as in churchs.

Traditionally, the [[President of Zambia]] issues an official National Day of Prayer proclamation each year as well.

==See also==
* [[National House of prayer]]
* [[President Lungu’s speech on the day of prayer and fasting|
President Lungu’s speech on the day of prayer and fasting in 2015]]

==References==
{{Template:Public holidays in Zambia}}
[[Category:2015 establishments in Zambia]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:Observances in Zambia by presidential proclamation]]
[[Category:Prayer]]
[[Category:Religious holidays]]
[[Category:Religion and society in Zambia]]