Story by John Nhandara
THE church has highlighted the importance of prayer in maintaining the existing peaceful environment during the election period.
This came out at the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving held at State House in Harare this Monday.
“The importance of prayer is that it brings divine intervention. It puts calmness in the hearts of the people. When God is involved in anything that is done, especially elections, it is God who touches the hearts of the people so that there is a brotherhood, there is love, meaning there will be no cruelty, hatred and animosity when we look at each other as brothers and sisters,” said Founder of Grace unlimited international, Bishop Florence Kanyati.
“Our role is to pray for the leadership because leadership comes from God and we pray for peace and tranquillity during the election and also before and after the elections, we must have peace which we are enjoying because there is freedom of worship,” said President – Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa.
The National Day of Prayer also saw the church taking up its role of interceding for the nation and its leadership.
“God we ask for wisdom that you gave Solomon. May you continue blessing the President with the wisdom of good leadership and all the good development work that we have seen. May you bless us that we do not witness any violence during this election period?” said Patron – Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi.
The Second Republic’s developmental programmes and the freedom of worship in the country also attracted the attention of the clergy.
“We have seen what God is doing to our nation. The development that we are seeing, infrastructure development we are seeing and the services being taken to the people through devolution and people rallying behind the mantra leaving no one and no place,” said President – of Apostolic Faith Mission, Bishop Amon Madawo.
“We were giving thanks to the Lord for the harvest, good rains. We are grateful to God for the technology of Pfumvudza. Without God we cannot do anything,” said Chairperson – Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations, Bishop Never Muparutsa.
Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga summed up the event as insightful.
“All the short prayers that we got from church leaders were very insightful. The nation has benefited and every Zimbabwean has benefited that together we can move forward. The second republic prides itself on nurturing positive relationships with leaders from diverse religious organisations. Let us all carry with us the message of peace, unity, tolerance and harmony that has been the hallmark of the President’s address especially now as we head towards our general elections,” he said.
The event was attended by various church leaders and denominations including the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and the Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-denominational Council of Churches.
