Transformative Experiences of Intercessory Prayers in a South African Context of Xenophobia

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of intercessory prayers as experienced by Black African migrant women in the context of xenophobia. Drawing on an ethnographic study of the experiences of Black African migrant women at St Aidan’s Anglican Church (saac), located in a migrant-dominated area in Johannesburg, I discuss the transformative experiences of health, wealth and relationships resulting from intercessory prayers that challenged the context of xenophobia in which saac functioned. While the transformation observed in the study was limited in time and space, I argue that certain church practices can be transformative if intentionally designed in ways that are sensitive to the specific context in which that church functions.