By Chipo Martha Bute
Addressing ZCC members and other listeners in a sermon broadcast live from the church’s headquarters in Masvingo two weeks ago, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said prayer is a way to build a trusted relationship with God, which all Christians must wield.
“Prayer is the most powerful weapon every Christian has. It breaks all natural rules and gives one hope and peace,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Mutendi stressed the need for people to be prayerful, especially during these difficult times of Covid-19, as prayer can give rest to the heavy laden and hope to those with a discouraged spirit.
“People should commit themselves to prayer and serve God, to be granted his protection and grace,” he added, citing 1 Chronicles 4 vs. 10.
He went on to describe prayer as communication between humankind and God, emphasising that it connects one to the spiritual world and cements the relationship between God and mankind.
“Jesus always opened his day with a prayer,” said the Bishop, quoting from Mark 1 vs 35.
He stressed the need for one to be in the right frame of mind when praying, since prayer is a serious conversation with the creator.
The Bishop described how Jesus broke natural rules through prayer, which gave him the power to walk on water, raise the dead, feed five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish, and to perform many more miracles.
Explaining the purpose of prayer, Bishop Mutendi said people pray for divine help and forgiveness, so that they are freed from the painful consequences of their sinful choices.
He added that Daniel survived the fate of hungry lions because of prayer.
“Sometimes the burden of guilt weighs down the spirit but the prayer of a contrite soul wins salvation and conquers turmoil,” he added, referring to the book of I Samuel 1 vs. 17-19.
He explained how the late ZCC founding father, Rev Samuel Mutendi ‘s consistency in prayer led to the conversion of people like the late Makwenjere.
He also touched on the importance of giving and offering, saying these two add value to one’s prayers.
A society built on compassion tends to thrive, while a miserly one rarely does, he added.
The Bishop said the story of Cornelius, found in Acts 10 vs. 4, demonstrates that prayer becomes complete if accompanied by one’s offerings.
“We should also be willing to share with the needy, for it is not godly to be tightfisted towards the disadvantaged. God blesses us to bless others as well,” he explained.
In conclusion, leaders in the church were implored to care and pray for God’s sheep.