WDP-USA

World Day of Prayer 2008:

God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding
Friday March 7, 2008

Written by the women of Guyana, the 2008 WDP worship service will begin at the first sunrise of March 7, 2008, and will continue until the last sunset. The theme, "God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding," is especially meaningful to the women of Guyana. Join us on March 7 as we pray with the women of Guyana and our sisters and brothers around the world.

The women of Guyana invite us to rejoice with them at the astonishing natural beauty of Guyana. “Come with us as we acknowledge the Wisdom of God in the marvelous works of creation.” The women of Guyana call upon wisdom as we join with them in rejoicing in God’s inhabited world. Let us begin with Guyana.

Guyana, the “land of many waters,” is located on the tip of South America on the Atlantic Ocean, nestled between Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil. Lakes, streams and mighty rivers intersect this land of lush rainforests and spectacular flora and fauna. Although geographically located on the South American continent, Guyana is culturally more closely linked to its Caribbean neighbors.

As we begin our journey with the women of Guyana, we learn about the complex history and cultural legacies of colonialism that continue to this day. Guyana is also struggling with HIV/AIDS, violence against women, trafficking of women and children, unemployment and the lack of opportunities for young people. We will think about and respond to questions of justice and possibility in Guyana. Let us be open to receiving the new opportunities that wisdom provides as we worship with the WDP women of Guyana.

About The Artwork

The art chosen for WDP USA 2008 reflects the richness of Guyana, the Land of Six Peoples and many waters. A collaborative effort by four artists Winslow Craig (artist), Dan Landiss (photographer), Debbie Paris (graphic designer), and Penny Sisto (textile artist)—the mixed media collage lifts up the uniqueness of the world-renowned Kaieteur waterfall while capturing the complexity of Guyana’s cultural heritage through the faces of Guyanese women.

Winslow Craig is a young budding Guyanese artist of Carib, Arawak and Afro ancestry. The artist’s view of the symbol was premised upon the Amerindian central way of life. The Cacique Crown is the Crown of the Godhead—the wisdom, light rays, love and togetherness. The Cacique Crown is the Amerindian chief’s headdress.