ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9605ProclamationTrump 45 · RCeremonial

Proclamation 9605

National Day of Prayer, 2017

This proclamation designates May 4, 2017, as the National Day of Prayer, calling on Americans to pray according to their faith traditions. It emphasizes religious liberty as a constitutional and natural right, references historical precedents including George Washington's 1789 proclamation and the 1988 statute establishing the annual observance, and expresses concern for religious persecution worldwide.

Federal Register Open PDF 82 FR 21673

Impact dates

  1. Proclaim May 4, 2017 as National Day of Prayer

  2. May 4, 2017 designated as National Day of Prayer

Key directives

  • Proclaim May 4, 2017 as National Day of Prayer
  • Invite citizens to pray in accordance with their own faiths and consciences

Timeline

Immediate

  • May 4, 2017 designated as National Day of Prayer

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Language on religious liberty in 'public square' and against 'government coercion' echoes contested culture-war framing, though no binding policy directive is included
  • Vague reference to threats 'around the world' lacks specific policy mechanism
Proclamation 9605: National Day of Prayer, 2017 · Executive Orders