By Christopher Man’ombe
In his 196th sermon since the church’s online broadcasts began following COVID-19 restrictions, Bishop Mutendi explained the power of all night praise and worship sessions, commonly known in the church as Mugidhi.
Speaking to his online audience last week, Bishop Mutendi stressed that there are two ways of praising and worshipping, emphasizing that the two as equally important.
One is where mostly elders and prophets take part, singing solemn hymns, and then there is the one where the youth generally participate, singing vibrant praise and worship songs.
He also revealed that demons are afraid of music.
“When Christians sing and dance, demons or evil spirits leave the possessed and go into the desert seeking rest but finding none,” the Bishop said, referring to Mathew 12 vs. 43.
He reiterated his earlier teaching on how David was chosen to go and play the harp for King Saul, so the tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear could leave him – 1 Samuel 16 vs. 14.
“The absence of a culture of praise and worship usually means an overwhelming spiritual desert is present, and the solution is very simple, just sing praise songs,” the Bishop continued.
He added that after the protracted debate on whether Elisha was supposed to serve King Joram of Israel and King Jehoshaphat or not, Elisha finally asked someone to play the harp for him and suddenly the power of the Lord came upon him, and God gave them direction – 2 Kings 3 vs. 15.
It was only after playing the harp, or calling to worship, that God spoke to them.
“There was neither wind nor rain, but the pools were filled with water”, said the Bishop.
“When God is ready to bless you, you do not have to wait for the so-called conducive environment. It is not about favourable economic, social, political or environmental conditions, but it is all about how deep your well or pool of faith is,” the Bishop said.
He ended by encouraging ZCC members who think they are too important to take part in all night prayers of invocation to join others, as such prayers give spiritual wholeness.