Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe is a God-fearing nation which acknowledges with gratitude the various milestones that continue to be recorded in various sectors of the economy.
He was addressing leaders from various church denominations who converged for the National Day of Prayer at the State House in Harare this Wednesday.
The National Day of Prayer saw the church leaders joining President Mnangagwa and several senior government officials in prayer for Zimbabwe as the year comes to an end.
With his message centred on scriptures from the Bible, President Mnangagwa noted that Zimbabwe remains dependent and anchored in prayer, adding the nation is grateful for the milestones achieved in various economic sectors.
“As a God-fearing nation, we acknowledge with gratitude, the milestones our nation continues to record. With hearts of thanksgiving, we make our requests standing on the word of God in Philippians 4 verses 6 and 7 and humbly ask Almighty God to pour out his blessings upon our land.
“Further, on this important day, we take heed to the word of God in Psalms 127 verse 1 which reminds us that “except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman remains awake but in vain.
“To this end, as a nation of Zimbabwe, we remain dependent and anchored in prayer emboldened that Almighty God hears us and answers our petitions. As we come together for this National Day of Prayer, our hearts are full of gratitude and thanksgiving for the successes our nation has realised across all socio-economic sectors. The light of the Lord has risen upon our nation, step by step, we are modernising, industrialising and growing our economy,” said the President.
As the Head of State acknowledged the hard work of Zimbabweans, he noted the need to put more effort to increase production in both rural and urban areas.
He said, “The task that lies ahead is for us all to consolidate these gains. Both our rural and urban communities must be urged to work harder in their respective areas for increased production and productivity. According to Psalms 90 verse 17, the Lord our God will establish the work of our hands. I commend the resilience and hard work of our people, the private sector and other stakeholders. Our nation is testimony that in every circumstance when facing plenty or lack, abundance or need, we can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives us strength. Philippians 4 Verse 12-13.”
President Mnangagwa also called on the nation to continue defining and controlling the country’s destiny.
Various church leaders had words of encouragement and prayed for the country to receive rains and prosper on the economic front.
The Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who is also the ZANU PF National Chairperson, applauded President Mnangagwa for embracing the National Prayer of Day.
“We want to thank the President for humbling himself and being part of this day. Though our country continues to be afflicted by sanctions we continue to pursue development.”
On various platforms, President Mnangagwa has continued to reiterate that Zimbabweans have freedom of worship.
