Don’t Minimize Prayer: How Prayer Helps with Mental and Spiritual Health

Prayer is powerful—please don’t minimize it. It’s not just something we do out of habit or when life gets hard. Prayer is how we stay grounded. It’s how we stay focused. It’s how we stay encouraged when everything around us feels heavy.

Prayer is our direct line to God. It’s how we talk with Him, and honestly, we should be intentional about making that time. I’ll be the first to admit—my prayers used to be very generic. I’d say what I thought I was supposed to say. But over the years, the Holy Spirit has shown me the beauty of being real with God. He already knows what we’re thinking and feeling, so we might as well bring it all to Him. Lay it down.

Prayer isn’t a “one and done” kind of thing—it’s a daily thing. It’s a relationship, not a ritual. And just like any relationship, it takes consistency and honesty. If you’re not sure what to pray about, I want to share a few things God’s been putting on my heart lately:

1. Pray for Salvation

Not just yours—but your family’s, your friends’, your children’s, and the people you serve. We don’t always talk about it, but we should. Salvation is about more than heaven—it's about freedom, healing, and living whole.

2. Pray Against Entitlement

It’s easy to get caught up in wanting things quickly—whether it’s answers, success, or change. We live in a world that pushes instant gratification, and sometimes we forget to pause and thank God for what we already have. Entitlement can sneak in quietly, making us feel like we deserve things, instead of recognizing that every good gift comes from Him.

Humility is the reminder our hearts need. It helps us stay grateful, grounded, and aware that everything we have—our life, our relationships, our opportunities—is because of God’s love and grace.

3. Pray to Experience the Love of God

There’s no sin that can separate us from God’s love, but shame will make us feel distant. And when we feel far from Him, we start pulling back. It’s not that God leaves us—we leave Him emotionally. Ask Him to show you His love in a real way. Ask Him to help you receive it, fully.

4. Pray for the Eyes of Your Heart to Be Open

We need spiritual eyes to see the truth about who God is. Because once you really know His nature—His kindness, His mercy, His love—it changes everything. It brings peace in the chaos and clarity in the confusion.

Prayer and Mental Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Prayer has helped me through seasons of stress, anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. It keeps me connected and gives me space to process my thoughts and emotions. I truly believe prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have for our mental and emotional health.