Ghanaian gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy has urged Christians to complement prayer with hard work and practical action, saying prayer alone cannot solve every problem.

According to the award-winning artiste, some challenges require practical solutions rather than a purely spiritual approach.

Speaking on Prime Time with George and Mercury Quaye on August 19, 2026, Ohemaa Mercy said Christians should learn to distinguish between issues that require prayer and those that demand personal effort and responsibility.

“Do you know prayer doesn’t solve everything? Some things are not spiritual; you just have to get the right channel to work with,” she said.

She explained that while prayer was important, individuals must also take responsibility for their actions and work towards achieving their goals.

“You don’t have to disturb God over everything. If I want to pass my exams, I have to learn. If I don’t learn and I go to the exam hall, and I’m sitting there praying, how will I pass the exams?” she asked.

The gospel musician also cautioned Christians against relying solely on prayer when they could take practical steps to improve their financial circumstances.

“If I need money, how will I get the money? I need to work. I can’t sit there for money to fall like manna,” she said.

Ohemaa Mercy particularly encouraged unemployed young people to identify their talents, explore available opportunities and take advantage of technology while continuing to pray for greater opportunities.

“There are some things prayer doesn’t solve. You have to write applications, and even if you are not getting office work, there is some potential in you. You need to start something. Now the internet is open, and there’s a lot you can do to get money,” she said.

She encouraged young people not to despise humble beginnings, stressing that they could start small while trusting God for bigger opportunities.

“You can start from somewhere whilst you are praying, and God can open big doors for you,” she added.

The gospel musician further called on Christians to strike a balance between their religious commitments and their professional responsibilities.

She advised churchgoers to remain committed to their faith without allowing church activities to interfere with working hours or their ability to earn a living.

Ohemaa Mercy also urged parents to develop close and open relationships with their children to enable them to discuss sensitive issues, particularly as they grow into adolescence.

She cautioned parents against being overly strict or presenting themselves as too holy or unapproachable, saying this could prevent children from seeking guidance from them.

“When children are growing, that kind of feeling comes. So you need to be like a friend to them to be able to draw them closer to guide them through that stage,” she said.

She explained that children needed parents who could listen to them and provide guidance as they navigated the emotional and social challenges that come with growing up.

“If you are too ‘Holyghostic’ and your children cannot vibe with you, you’ll lose them. And what they can’t get from their mother or father, they will get it out there,” she added.

Ohemaa Mercy's comments highlight the need for Christians to combine faith with personal responsibility, practical action and open communication within the family.