ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8974ProclamationObama · DCeremonial

Proclamation 8974

National Day of Prayer, 2013

Democracy & GovernanceDemocracy & GovernanceOtherOther

In simple terms

President Obama issued an annual proclamation designating May 2, 2013 as the National Day of Prayer, as required by Public Law 100-307. The proclamation encourages Americans to pray for victims of recent tragedies including the Boston Marathon bombings, Newtown shootings, and West Texas explosion, as well as for first responders and military personnel.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 26483

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 78 FR 26483

    Federal Register PDF

  3. National Day of Prayer observance

Key directives

  • Proclaim May 2, 2013 as National Day of Prayer

What to expect

Immediate

  • Proclamation of May 2, 2013 as National Day of Prayer

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Annual continuation of National Day of Prayer tradition on first Thursday in May

Risks & tensions

  • References to specific recent tragedies may carry brief political resonance but no policy tension
  • Vague phrasing 'work to meet the great challenges of our time' has no operative effect
Proclamation 8974: National Day of Prayer, 2013 · Executive Orders