Episode Description

Prayer can become dry and effortful, something we do because we’re supposed to rather than something we want to. This is especially true during seasons of frustration, stress, or spiritual fatigue. In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter explores how to reframe prayer as a lived, relational interaction with God rather than a spiritual obligation.

Building on the earlier teaching and testimony episodes in the prayer cycle, Dr. Paynter walks through practical ways to engage prayer more fully. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and clinical insight, she explains that different types of prayer affect us in different ways and why God invites us to bring our full range of emotions into His presence.

This episode focuses on releasing “prim and proper” prayer, making space for lament, anger, stillness, and listening, learning to recognize prayer as a two-way relationship. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate a prayer life that is emotionally honest and rooted in trust, even when words fail.

This episode is especially for you if prayer feels dry, uninspired, or emotionally distant, but you still long for a deeper, more honest relationship with God.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

·       Why prayer can become dry or emotionally flat over time

·       How different forms of biblical prayer shape our relationship with God

·       Why God invites emotional honesty—including anger, frustration, and lament

·       How prayer can be both expressive and receptive, not just one-sided

·       Why prayer is a relational experience rather than just something Christians are “supposed” to do 

You’ll also be guided through:

·       How to begin praying honestly when you don’t have the right words

·       Ways to practice stillness and listening without forcing outcomes

·       How to release the expectation of “prim and proper” prayer language 

·       Ways to experiment with different types of prayer to enrich your prayer life

·       Making prayer a place of relationship instead of effort

Resources Mentioned

·  Biblical categories of prayer (lament, supplication, thanksgiving, listening prayer)

·  Greek and Hebrew words for prayer, including palal and proseuchomai

·  Book referenced observationally: When God Talks Back by T.M. Luhrmann

·  Downloadable prayer resources available here:  https://www.psalmmedical.com/ccseason3-signup

Hebrew (Old Testament)

• Palal – to pray, intercede, engage relationally with God
• Shaphakh – to pour out (lament, grief, emotional release)
• Za‘aq – to cry out in distress or desperation
• Qara – to call upon the name of the Lord
• Tefillah – prayer as an intentional act or posture
• Teḥinnah – a plea or supplication for mercy
• Sha’al – to ask or request

Greek (New Testament)

• Proseuchomai – to pray; to turn toward God in relationship
• Deomai – to beg or plead earnestly
• Aiteō – to ask with expectation
• Hiketeuō – to entreat or appeal deeply
• Entynchano – to intercede
• Eucharisteō – to give thanks

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Honest frustration and emotional prayer

01:45 – Why prayer often feels one-sided

03:07 – Reframing prayer as relationship, not obligation

05:44 – Emotional honesty and “anger prayers”

10:42 – Learning to listen for God’s voice

15:25 – Practicing prayer beyond checklists

19:53 – Closing reflection and invitation

Dr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician, a podcast exploring the intersection of Christian faith, physiology, and whole-person health. As a licensed naturopathic physician, she is especially interested in how spiritual practices—like prayer—shape not only our faith, but our emotional and physical well-being. Through thoughtful teaching, clinical insight, and honest reflection, Tanya helps listeners move away from performance-driven spirituality and toward a more relational, embodied life with God.

Learn more about Dr. Paynter’s clinical work and writing at www.psalmmedical.com

Visit the podcast webpage at https://www.psalmmedical.com/cc-podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

What happens when prayer doesn’t just change how you feel—but changes what’s happening inside your body?

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter sits down with Old Testament scholar and author Dr. Ingrid Faro to hear her powerful testimony of physical healing during a season of deep trauma, exhaustion, and unresolved anger toward God. After years of caregiving, chronic stress, and deteriorating health, Dr. Faro describes a moment of honest surrender in prayer that led to an immediate and tangible physiological change.

Together, they explore how prayer functions not simply as a request for answers, but as an act of relationship—one that reshapes the nervous system, reframes suffering, and invites healing even when circumstances remain unchanged. This conversation offers hope for anyone who has prayed for years without seeing the outcome they expected, reminding listeners that the true transformation often begins in how we approach God, not in the answers we receive.

• Practice thankfulness by intentionally looking for even the smallest things you can be grateful for each day
• Communicate honestly with God, sharing disappointments as well as joys
• Ask God to show you His perspective on your circumstances rather than relying solely on your own
• Begin developing a regular prayer habit, starting with simple moments (morning, night, shower, transitions)
• View prayer as an ongoing dialogue with God throughout the day, not just a scheduled activity

• Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV)
• Dr. Faro's books (see below)

• Dr. Ingrid Faro — Professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary
• Book: Demystifying Evil by Dr. Ingrid Faro
• Tells her testimony in depth and explores the topic of evil and why good people suffer
• https://www.amazon.com/Demystifying-Evil-Biblical-Personal-Exploration/dp/1514004933
• Book: Redeeming Eden by Dr. Ingrid Faro — available now for purchase
• https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Eden-Advance-Salvation-Streaming-ebook/dp/B0F1FFRPPS?ref_=ast_author_mpb

00:00 — Dr. Faro's moment of physical healing

01:30 — Introduction to Dr. Ingrid Faro and her work

02:00 — Years of trauma, caregiving, and declining health

05:45 — Anger toward God and spiritual exhaustion

06:45 — “Your anger is killing you” — the turning point

07:30 — Encounter with Jesus and immediate healing

09:20 — Gratitude, contentment, and the “keys to happiness”

12:00 — Shalom, wholeness, and healing others

13:45 — Prayer as ongoing communication with God

16:30 — Developing daily prayer habits

20:05 — When prayers aren’t answered the way we expect

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a licensed naturopathic physician and the host of The Christian Clinician, a podcast dedicated to exploring the connection between faith, physiology, and whole-person health. Through biblical teaching, clinical insight, and honest conversations, the show helps listeners understand how their relationship with God impacts their physical and emotional well-being.

She is also the founder of the Christian Women’s Health Fellowship, a faith-centered community supporting women who are navigating chronic symptoms, stress, and spiritual questions alongside their health journey. When she’s not recording or researching, Dr. Paynter is a self-proclaimed research nerd who loves deep conversations and helping people connect the dots between faith and the body.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

Does prayer work? Many Christians pray faithfully and still wonder why prayer feels silent, unanswered, or ineffective. In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter examines Christian prayer, health, stress, and the nervous system through a biblical and clinical lens.

Drawing from Scripture, evidence-based medicine, and current research on prayer and health, Dr. Paynter explains how different forms of biblical prayer affect the body’s stress response, regulate the nervous system, and support emotional and physical resilience. She also speaks candidly about her own struggle with unanswered prayer and the moment she realized prayer was never meant to function as a spiritual transaction or wish list.

This episode addresses:

• Does prayer actually work?
• How Christian prayer affects stress and anxiety
• The relationship between prayer and the nervous system
• Why some prayers feel unanswered
• What scientific studies on prayer can—and cannot—measure
• How biblical prayer reduces chronic stress and supports health
• Why prayer is relational, not performative

If you’ve ever felt discouraged, confused, or doubtful about prayer, this conversation offers a grounded, compassionate, and biblically faithful reframe without guilt, hype, or spiritual pressure.

Today's Action Steps

• Set aside 10-15 minutes daily for intentional, uninterrupted prayer to foster connection with God and experience health benefits.
• Expand prayer beyond requests by including adoration, thanksgiving, lament, contrition, consecration, faith, and intercession.
• Reflect on the motivation behind your prayers and incorporate gratitude and praise, not just petitions.
• Practice being still and present during prayer—find a quiet space or time (like in the shower) to talk to God.
• Revisit prayers that feel “unanswered” and persist in faith, trusting God’s timing and solutions.

Download Episode Worksheet - Designed for Prayer: 7 Day Prayer Devotional

Resources Mentioned

• Scripture (ESV):
• Philippians 4:6–7;
• Psalm 145:18;
• Isaiah 26:3;
• Romans 12:2;
• Numbers 6:24–26
• Newman, David B., John B. Nezlek, and Todd M. Thrash. “The Dynamics of Prayer in Daily Life and Implications for Well-Being.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 124, no. 6 (2023): 1299–313. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspp0000454.
• Ironson, Gail, and Salman Shaheen Ahmad. “Frequency of Private Prayer Predicts Survival Over 6 Years in a Nationwide U.S. Sample of Individuals with a Chronic Illness.” Journal of Religion and Health 63, no. 4 (2024): 2910–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01870-z.
• Upenieks, Laura. “Unpacking the Relationship Between Prayer and Anxiety: A Consideration of Prayer Types and Expectations in the United States.” Journal of Religion and Health 62, no. 3 (2023): 1810–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01708-0.
• Anderson, James W., and Paige A. Nunnelley. “Private Prayer Associations with Depression, Anxiety and Other Health Conditions: An Analytical Review of Clinical Studies.” Postgraduate Medicine 128, no. 7 (2016): 635–41. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2016.1209962.
• Designed for Prayer seven-day devotional (link above)
• Types of prayer discussed from biblical perspective (adoration, thanksgiving, lament, petition/supplication, contrition, consecration, faith/deliverance)

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – Does prayer work? A personal struggle with prayer

01:07 – Faith and evidence-based medicine

02:10 – Why prayer isn’t a wish list

03:27 – Biblical types of prayer

05:19 – What research can measure about prayer

08:32 – Prayer, stress, and the nervous system

11:12 – Prayer, longevity, and chronic illness

12:14 – Physiological effects of prayer

13:14 – Philippians 4:6–7 and God’s design for peace

15:44 – Why 10–15 minutes of daily prayer matters

18:43 – Revisiting prayers you stopped praying

21:11 – Invitation to the seven-day prayer devotional

About The Christian Clinician

The Christian Clinician explores the intersection of Christian faith, health, neuroscience, and evidence-based medicine. Hosted by Dr. Tanya Paynter, the podcast equips Christian women to think clearly about their faith, engage prayer honestly, and pursue health without guilt or spiritual pressure.

Subscribe for more conversations on:

Christian prayer and health

Prayer and anxiety

Faith and neuroscience

Biblical approaches to stress

Christian women’s health and faith

Connect with Dr. Tanya Paynter

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Hashtags

#DoesPrayerWork #ChristianPrayer #PrayerAndHealth #PrayerAndStress #PrayerAndAnxiety #BiblicalPrayer #FaithAndHealth #ChristianWomen #ChristianClinician

Season Three of The Christian Clinician is for the Christian woman who is exhausted—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and wants to bring God into the healing process in a real and meaningful way.

If you’ve tried prescriptions, supplements, diets, protocols, lifestyle changes, or stress-management plans and still feel like something is missing, this season explores the healing that happens when faith and health are no longer treated as separate categories.

Each episode in Season Three focuses on one biblical practice—such as prayer, Sabbath, worship, forgiveness, gratitude, or fellowship. We begin by examining what Scripture actually teaches about that practice. Then, we look at the research behind it, exploring how God designed the body to respond when these practices are lived out in relationship with Him and not simply as religious performance.

You’ll learn how biblical practices affect the nervous system, stress response, sleep, anxiety, hormones, and emotional health—and why healing truly begins when relationship replaces obligation.

This season also features conversations with biblical scholars, clinicians, and Christian apologists to help clarify Scripture, address common misunderstandings about faith, and support a faith-centered approach to health that is both theologically grounded and clinically informed.

Season Three is not about doing more or fixing yourself.

It’s an invitation to draw closer to God and discover how your body was designed to function when faith becomes part of the healing journey.

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter, a wellness expert who integrates faith and evidence-based medicine, tackles the most common objections to the resurrection of Jesus. Drawing on her personal journey through doubt, extensive historical and theological research, and her academic background, she breaks down skeptical arguments and shares logical, evidence-based responses. The discussion covers theories such as mass hallucination, metaphorical resurrection, legend development, the wrong tomb, the swoon theory, and the stolen body theory, offering listeners reasoned rebuttals and practical advice for addressing these issues. Dr. Tanya Paynter empowers listeners with confidence in the historical reliability of the resurrection, emphasizing its foundational impact on faith and everyday life. The episode concludes with a reflection on how understanding the resurrection can reshape priorities and spiritual commitment.

Today's Action Steps

• Reflect on the evidence for the resurrection and consider which objections you struggle with most.
• Make time to research and understand historical and theological sources to strengthen your faith.
• Journal or meditate on how the resurrection affects your personal priorities and relationship with God.
• Engage in conversations about these objections with others to practice articulating logical, evidence-based responses.
• Evaluate your daily routine for ways to prioritize spiritual connection and growth.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

• Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. 
• Edwards, William D., Wesley J. Gabel, and Floyd E. Hosmer. “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ.” JAMA 255, no. 11 (March 21, 1986): 1455–63. 
• Groothuis, Douglas. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. 2nd ed. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022. 
• Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. 11th ed. Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Company, 1996. 
• Habermas, Gary R. The Risen Jesus and Future Hope. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2003. 
• Habermas, Gary R., and Michael R. Licona. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004. 
• Strauss, Mark L. Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2007. 

Time Stamps

• 00:00:00 – Introduction and importance of the resurrection
• 00:00:54 – Overview of common objections addressed in this episode
• 00:03:08 – Personal story of doubt and search for logical evidence
• 00:03:36 – Mass hallucination objection debunked
• 00:05:50 – Individual hallucination and large group appearances explained
• 00:06:12 – Metaphorical resurrection theory rebuttal
• 00:07:17 – Addressing the legend and myth development theory
• 00:09:24 – Variations in the Gospel accounts and authenticity of eyewitness testimony
• 00:15:25 – Wrong tomb theory and its rebuttal
• 00:16:09 – The swoon theory and medical evidence against it
• 00:24:44 – The stolen body theory and why it’s unlikely
• 00:29:00 – Role of women witnesses and implications for historical accuracy
• 00:30:21 – Impact of resurrection on daily life and faith
• 00:33:00 – Prioritizing spiritual growth and relationship with God
• 00:37:36 – Focusing on the deeper meaning of the resurrection

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a passionate wellness expert, podcast host, and Christian scholar dedicated to linking faith and evidence-based practices for holistic health. Through her podcast The Christian Clinician, she guides listeners in exploring the intersection of wellness and spirituality, helping them revitalize their health and renew their faith with confidence and research-driven insight.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter continues her deep dive into the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, focusing on the final three of Gary Habermas’ “minimal facts” argument. Dr. Tanya Paynter, a passionate advocate for integrating faith and evidence-based medicine, reviews the historical and logical support for the conversion of Paul and James, as well as the evidence for the empty tomb. Drawing from her own struggles reconciling science and faith, she emphasizes how these well-supported facts offer a reasoned foundation for Christian belief, even in challenging moments of doubt. The episode equips listeners with key arguments for defending their faith and highlights the transformative power of the resurrection.

Today's Action Steps

• Study and internalize the "minimal facts" argument, focusing on the five historical claims supporting the resurrection.
• Reflect on personal faith, leveraging historical evidence to strengthen confidence during moments of doubt.
• Practice articulating the logical case for the resurrection with friends or in discussions, using Paul and James’s conversions as examples.
• Explore the resources mentioned for a deeper understanding of Christian apologetics related to the resurrection.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

• Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. 
• “CHURCH FATHERS: Contra Celsum, Book II (Origen).” Accessed November 17, 2024. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/041.... 
• Edwards, William D., Wesley J. Gabel, and Floyd E. Hosmer. “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ.” JAMA 255, no. 11 (March 21, 1986): 1455–63. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1986.033.... 
• Eusebius. “CHURCH FATHERS: Church History, Book II (Eusebius).” Accessed November 22, 2024. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250.... 
• Groothuis, Douglas. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. 2nd ed. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022. 
• Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. 11th ed. Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Company, 1996. 
• Habermas, Gary R. The Risen Jesus and Future Hope. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2003. 
• Habermas, Gary R., and Michael R. Licona. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004. 
• Strauss, Mark L. Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2007. 
• Tacitus. “The Internet Classics Archive | The Annals by Tacitus.” Accessed November 21, 2024. https://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/anna....

Time Stamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and summary of the importance of the resurrection in Christian belief
• 01:13 – Recap of the “minimal facts” argument and criteria for historical acceptance
• 03:09 – Encouragement on facing doubt and value of historical faith evidence
• 04:49 – Introduction to Paul’s conversion and its significance
• 06:31 – Recap of Paul’s encounter on the road to Damascus
• 09:47 – Paul’s enduring guilt and transformation as evidence
• 11:52 – Conversion of James, Jesus’s brother, from skeptic to church leader
• 14:59 – Analysis of the empty tomb as the fifth minimal fact
• 16:17 – The significance of women as first witnesses
• 18:00 – Enemy attestation and alternative explanations for the empty tomb
• 21:23 – Marking of Jesus’s tomb and historical deviations
• 22:17 – All five minimal facts summarized; resurrection as the most logical conclusion

Host Bio

Dr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician, where she combines her expertise in evidence-based medicine with her Christian faith to provide listeners with balanced, thoughtful discussions on faith and health. Her passion lies in helping others bridge the gap between science and faith, empowering them with logic and historical evidence to strengthen belief and well-being.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter launches a three-part apologetic series on the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, focusing on the "minimal facts argument." As a practitioner who combines faith with evidence-based medicine, Dr. Tanya Paynter discusses how understanding historical evidence for the resurrection can strengthen both faith and well-being. She walks through the first two of five widely accepted minimal historical facts: Jesus’ death by crucifixion and the disciples’ genuine belief in his resurrection. The episode also highlights the value of early oral creeds, extra-biblical accounts, and even medical insights. Dr. Tanya Paynter encourages listeners to engage deeply with the evidence and to let their discoveries inform both mind and spirit.

Today's Action Steps

1. Investigate the minimal facts argument for yourself and assess the level of historical confidence you require when evaluating evidence.
2. Research the dating and significance of the oral creed in 1 Corinthians 15, as referenced in the episode.
3. Reflect on what would motivate you to risk everything for a belief, using the disciples’ transformation as a model.
4. Seek out additional resources on the historical evidence for the resurrection to deepen your own understanding.
5. Recognize the connection between a secure faith and physical health, and allow truth to bring you greater peace.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

“CHURCH FATHERS: Contra Celsum, Book II (Origen).” Accessed November 17, 2024. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/04162.htm.

Edwards, William D., Wesley J. Gabel, and Floyd E. Hosmer. “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ.” JAMA 255, no. 11 (March 21, 1986): 1455–63. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1986.03370110077025.

Eusebius. “CHURCH FATHERS: Church History, Book II (Eusebius).” Accessed November 22, 2024. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/250102.htm.

Groothuis, Douglas. Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. 2nd ed. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022.

Habermas, Gary R. The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ. 11th ed. Joplin, MO: College Press Publishing Company, 1996.

Habermas, Gary R. The Risen Jesus and Future Hope. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2003.

Habermas, Gary R., and Michael R. Licona. The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2004.

Smithsonian’s Department of Anthropology. Letter. “The Bible as History.” Letter, n.d. https://csnradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/SmithsonianLetter-o.pdf.

Strauss, Mark L. Four Portraits, One Jesus: A Survey of Jesus and the Gospels. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2007.

Tacitus. “The Internet Classics Archive | The Annals by Tacitus.” Accessed November 21, 2024. https://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/annals.11.xv.html.

Timestamps

02:02 – What counts as historical proof and standards for evaluating ancient events

05:24 – An introduction to the minimal facts argument and its five core claims

06:28 – Fact #1: The historical documentation of Jesus’ crucifixion

08:30 – Synoptic Gospel accounts and extra-biblical corroboration

09:46 – Non-Christian sources and archaeological evidence supporting crucifixion

11:23 – Medical evidence reviewed by modern physicians

12:15 – Debunking the “swoon theory” and affirming Jesus’ actual death

13:24 – Fact #2: Evidence for disciples’ genuine belief in Christ’s resurrection

13:58 – The disciples’ post-crucifixion transformation and willingness to die for their belief

15:28 – Multiple sources confirming unwavering apostolic faith and message

16:11 – Consistency of the gospel and non-Christian affirmations

16:50 – The unexpected shift in Jewish tradition and rapid adoption of new beliefs

17:25 – The dating and importance of the early oral creed in 1 Cor 15

23:18 – Reflection: Would you risk everything for your beliefs?

24:29 – Romans 10:9 and the personal invitation to faith

25:03 – Recap and encouragement to deepen knowledge; invitation to next episode

25:57 – Where to find more resources, final encouragement, and closing remarks

About the Host

Dr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician podcast, where she merges faith-based perspectives with evidence-based medicine to help listeners renew both body and spirit. Known for her deep dives into historical and biblical scholarship, she invites experts and thinkers to educate, challenge, and inspire those seeking to join faith with practical health and wellness.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter sits down with Camille McDaniel, a licensed professional counselor from Georgia and founder of Healing Psychotherapy Practices of Georgia. With over 15 years of experience, Camille McDaniel specializes in helping individuals navigate mental health challenges, work-related stress, trauma, and faith-based reconciliation. The conversation explores the distinction between being a Christian counselor versus a counselor who happens to be Christian, and the importance of integrating faith into therapeutic work. Camille McDaniel shares her journey from childhood aspirations to her current calling, highlights common themes of fear and control among her clients, and emphasizes choosing faith over fear when addressing life’s anxieties and uncertainties. The episode is rich with advice on surrendering control, waiting on God’s timing, and redefining success by God’s standards.

Today's Action Steps

• Identify an accountability partner to support you as you practice surrendering your worries and plans to God.
• Begin each day with a simple prayer asking God to help you fully surrender your mind, body, and heart.
• When you “fall” or find yourself struggling to let go, practice self-compassion and avoid harsh self-judgment.
• Keep Bible verses about overcoming fear and relying on God’s strength visible as daily reminders of His promises.
• Regularly check in with your accountability partner and reflect on God’s faithfulness in both big and small decisions.

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

• Healing Psychotherapy Practices of Georgia: www.healingpsychotherapyga.com

Episode Timestamps

02:08 – Camille McDaniel shares her childhood interest in psychology and path to counseling

04:52 – Specializations and client challenges, including anxiety, trauma, and spiritual struggles

07:10 – Discussion: Christian counselor vs. Christian who counsels

09:53 – Integrating faith into the counseling process

13:37 – Handling differences in beliefs and nonjudgmental counseling environments

18:05 – Common themes: anxiety, fear, and loss of control in today’s culture

20:26 – Surrendering goals and waiting on God’s guidance

23:21 – Rethinking success from a Christian perspective

29:23 – Physical, mental, and spiritual costs of self-reliance

36:00 – Practical steps for surrender: accountability, prayer, scripture, and compassion

41:02 – Small acts of obedience and God’s care in daily decisions

44:52 – Where to find Camille McDaniel for counseling

45:31 – Final advice: focus on God’s definition of success and faith over fear

About the Host

Dr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician, where she brings together faith and evidence-based medicine to revitalize your health and renew your faith. With a passion for combining wellness expertise and Christian scholarship, she helps listeners understand how their relationship with God can shape all aspects of their wellbeing.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter shares a personal story about seeking guidance from God and finding clarity through community at church. Dr. Paynter explores the vital role church and fellowship play not only in spiritual health but also in our biological and neurological well-being. She combines insights from scripture, neurochemistry, and research to illustrate why isolation is detrimental and how gathering with others is essential to our overall healing. Listeners are encouraged to examine their relationship with church attendance, explore roadblocks, and take practical steps toward deeper engagement with both faith and community.

Today's Action Steps:

• Prioritize regular church attendance to nurture your faith and support your healing journey.
• Pursue hospitality by sharing meals or coffee with fellow believers to deepen relationships.
• Consider joining a small group or Bible study if traditional church feels overwhelming.
• Reflect on resistance you may have toward church, writing down your thoughts and praying for clarity.
• Pay attention to how God may answer prayers through community and interactions with others.
• Check out the Christian Women's Health Fellowship: www.psalmmedical.com

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Book: Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed. (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022).
• Study: Julianne Holt‐Lunstad, “Social Connection as a Critical Factor for Mental and Physical Health: Evidence, Trends, Challenges, and Future Implications,” World Psychiatry 23, no. 3 (October 2024): 312–332, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11403199/.
• Early church writings: “Justin_martyr: First Apology - Christian Classics Ethereal Library,” accessed November 13, 2024, https://ccel.org/ccel/justin_martyr/first_apology/anf01.viii.ii.xiii.html.
• Bible verses: Ephesians 4:16, Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42-46, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, Titus 1:9, James 3:1, Hebrews 13:17, Genesis 2:18, Colossians 3:16

Timestamps:

00:00 – Dr. Paynter's car accident and seeking God's guidance

00:35 – Realizing answers often come through community

01:32 – How church attendance impacts both spiritual and physical health

03:03 – The importance of fellowship after personal experience

05:32 – Scriptural foundation for gathering as the body of Christ

09:00 – The neurological and developmental impact of isolation

12:29 – Depression, physical symptoms, and the chemistry of isolation

13:07 – Biblical calls for fellowship and the early church model

15:57 – The meaning of church (ecclesia) and practical application today

19:39 – The necessity of sound teaching in fellowship settings

20:54 – Spiritual gifts and the need to work together

22:00 – Neurochemistry of shared meals and social bonding

24:25 – Scientific research on social connection and health

25:12 – Reflecting on and overcoming barriers to church attendance

28:13 – Practical steps to increasing community and spotting God's answers

30:42 – The relational nature of God and spiritual growth in community

About the Host:

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a licensed naturopathic physician and the host of The Christian Clinician. She is passionate about integrating faith with evidence-based medicine to help individuals revitalize their health and renew their faith. Through her podcast, she empowers listeners to discover the profound impact of spiritual community on well-being.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/

In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter shares a personal story about seeking guidance from God and finding clarity through community at church. Dr. Paynter explores the vital role church and fellowship play not only in spiritual health but also in our biological and neurological well-being. She combines insights from scripture, neurochemistry, and research to illustrate why isolation is detrimental and how gathering with others is essential to our overall healing. Listeners are encouraged to examine their relationship with church attendance, explore roadblocks, and take practical steps toward deeper engagement with both faith and community.

Today's Action Steps:

• Prioritize regular church attendance to nurture your faith and support your healing journey.
• Pursue hospitality by sharing meals or coffee with fellow believers to deepen relationships.
• Consider joining a small group or Bible study if traditional church feels overwhelming.
• Reflect on resistance you may have toward church, writing down your thoughts and praying for clarity.
• Pay attention to how God may answer prayers through community and interactions with others.

Resources Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Book: Douglas Groothuis, Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith, 2nd ed. (Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2022).
• Study: Julianne Holt‐Lunstad, “Social Connection as a Critical Factor for Mental and Physical Health: Evidence, Trends, Challenges, and Future Implications,” World Psychiatry 23, no. 3 (October 2024): 312–332, accessed June 7, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11403199/.
• Early church writings: “Justin_martyr: First Apology - Christian Classics Ethereal Library,” accessed November 13, 2024, https://ccel.org/ccel/justin_martyr/first_apology/anf01.viii.ii.xiii.html.
• Bible verses: Ephesians 4:16, Romans 12:4-5, Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42-46, 1 Corinthians 12:27, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2:20-22, Titus 1:9, James 3:1, Hebrews 13:17, Genesis 2:18, Colossians 3:16

Timestamps:

00:00 – Dr. Paynter's car accident and seeking God's guidance

00:35 – Realizing answers often come through community

01:32 – How church attendance impacts both spiritual and physical health

03:03 – The importance of fellowship after personal experience

05:32 – Scriptural foundation for gathering as the body of Christ

09:00 – The neurological and developmental impact of isolation

12:29 – Depression, physical symptoms, and the chemistry of isolation

13:07 – Biblical calls for fellowship and the early church model

15:57 – The meaning of church (ecclesia) and practical application today

19:39 – The necessity of sound teaching in fellowship settings

20:54 – Spiritual gifts and the need to work together

22:00 – Neurochemistry of shared meals and social bonding

24:25 – Scientific research on social connection and health

25:12 – Reflecting on and overcoming barriers to church attendance

28:13 – Practical steps to increasing community and spotting God's answers

30:42 – The relational nature of God and spiritual growth in community

31:49 – Final encouragements and episode wrap-up

About the Host:

Dr. Tanya Paynter is a board-certified naturopathic physician and the host of The Christian Clinician. She is passionate about integrating faith with evidence-based medicine to help individuals revitalize their health and renew their faith. Through her podcast, she empowers listeners to discover the profound impact of spiritual community on well-being.

Follow The Christian Clinician on Social Media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/