You Can’t Just “Pray It Away” — And That’s Not a Lack of Faith

Let’s get one thing straight: I’m a Christian. I love Jesus. I read my Bible. I believe in the power of prayer.

But I also believe in science, trauma recovery, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Because here’s the thing—prayer is powerful, but it’s not a substitute for mental healthcare. And telling people to “just pray it away” isn’t ministry… it’s malpractice.

If I had a dollar for every time someone in the church said, “Well, you just need to give that anxiety/depression/trauma to God,” I’d be leading a healing retreat in the mountains of Galilee, with licensed clinicians in every breakout session and lavender diffusers in every yurt.

Let’s unpack this:

Yes, prayer changes things. Yes, God is a healer. Yes, miracles happen.

But also…Yes, trauma rewires the brain. Yes, depression isn’t just “sadness.” Yes, there are clinical treatments proven to help.

God created the brain. He’s not offended by a psychiatrist. He’s not intimidated by EMDR. And He certainly isn’t rolling His eyes when you go to therapy. In fact, I’m pretty sure He’s up there cheering you on, whispering, “Finally. My child is getting help from the people I gifted with this wisdom.”

Stop Calling Mental Health Struggles a Spiritual Weakness

Telling someone who’s battling PTSD or clinical depression to “just have more faith” is about as helpful as telling someone with a broken leg to walk it off. It's not only insensitive—it’s dangerous. People don’t need guilt dressed up as theology. They need help.

The Apostle Paul had Luke (aka a physician) by his side. Timothy was advised to drink a little wine to settle his stomach. Scripture is full of examples where spiritual life and practical support worked together. Faith and wisdom are not enemies. They’re teammates.

The Church Should Be a Hospital, Not a Hype Machine

Churches should be the safest place for people to admit they’re not okay—not a place where they’re pressured to fake joy because it’s Sunday and they’re “too blessed to be stressed.” Real ministry means sitting in the pain with people, not slapping a Bible verse on it and walking away. Yes, pray with people. Anoint them. Encourage them. But then…Refer them. Walk with them. Support them as they heal.

It’s Not Either/Or. It’s Both/And.

You can pray and go to therapy. You can believe in healing and take your medication. You can quote Scripture and read peer-reviewed research.

That’s not weak faith. That’s mature faith. That’s stewardship of the mind God gave you.

So if you’re struggling, hear this: You are not a burden. You are not broken. And you’re not “less spiritual” because you need help. You’re human. Welcome to the club. Let’s walk this healing road together—with prayer in one hand and a treatment plan in the other.

And if someone tries to shame you for seeking help? Smile. Thank them for their unsolicited theological opinion. Then block them and call your therapist.

Need support? We’ve got your back. At Renewing Hope Counseling, we’ve got 30 amazing therapists (and not one of them will ask you to “pray harder” before asking how your trauma is stored in your nervous system).

Call us at 713-365-0700 renewinghopehouston.com