Is an abundance of prayer, or taking it as a cure for depression, considered an innovation (bid‘ah) or permissible, based on His — the Most High’s — saying: “And seek help through patience and prayer”?

Seeking ease for the heart and requesting healing through prayer is not an innovation (bid'ah); rather, it is legislated. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would resort to prayer whenever he was troubled by a matter, seeking his ease therein. Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned that prayer has a profound effect in gladdening the heart, strengthening it, and expanding it. It is a helper in attaining the benefits of this world and the Hereafter, a repeller of the ailments of the hearts and bodies, a bringer of provision, a dispeller of sickness, and a remover of depression.