‘Hope is Rising’ – 24-hour national prayer for Guyana begins at midnight

A 24-hour nationwide prayer event titled Hope is Rising is set to commence at 12:01 a.m on Friday, as Guyanese at home and abroad unite in worship, intercession, and national reflection. The initiative is led by Guyanese-American evangelist Joe Persaud, with support from Scott Camp and Jesse Reamer.

The prayer event arrives at a pivotal moment, as the nation grieves the tragic death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge and prepares for both local elections later this year and ahead of Venezuela’s illegal vote concerning the Guyana’s Essequibo region.

At a press conference held Thursday at the National Cultural Centre, Persaud outlined the purpose and heart of the event, emphasising that Hope is Rising is “not a political event, but a spiritual one.” Christians from across denominations and countries are being called to stand together in unity and faith for Guyana.

“We didn’t plan for Adriana Younge’s death,” Persaud said. “But we believe this moment is ordained. It’s not about personalities or platforms—this is about God. Guyana is in pain, and it is time to lift up the name of Christ and bring healing.”

The 24-hour prayer marathon will involve intercessors from nearly 50 nations, including countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas. While the main gathering point will be the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown—where people will convene Friday at 15:00hrs for praise, worship, and declarations—the event will also be live-streamed globally. Participants are encouraged to pray in their homes, churches, or via self-organised Zoom meetings.

“There will be no specific schedule for prayer locations,” said Persaud. “It’s about every believer taking their place. Some will pray through the night, others during the day. This is a move of God, not man.”

International ministers and leaders have flown into Guyana for the event. The event is open to all, regardless of denomination, and Persaud has extended invitations to government and political leaders—though he continues to stress that the focus is entirely spiritual.

“Guyana is the fastest-growing economy in the world, but peace and unity don’t come from GDP. They come from God,” Persaud said. “We’re here to light a fire—Holy Ghost fire—so people know they carry oil and anointing within.”

The success of this isn’t measured by what happens on stage. It’s measured by the God who answers.