This study is centred on African Initiated Churches (AICs) and women’s livelihoods during the COVID-19 era in Zimbabwe. African Initiated Churches which have a large women’s following became a portal of women’s livelihoods because the churches dealt with poverty affecting women and their lost entrepreneurial opportunities. At their sowes [worship places], the AICs responded by providing women with miteuro [ritualised prayers], which were performed with anointed waters and nhombo [anointed or ritualised pebbles] all of which helped in giving zambuko [deliverance (...) or breakthrough]. The prayers were found to give hope and resilience, which became protective factors against the adversities associated with COVID-19.Contribution: This study’s contribution is centred on Practical Theology. It showed how the church has spiritually supported women’s livelihoods, consequently empowering them in the economic spheres of their lives through faith. (shrink)