Charismatic Christians are often quick to claim that a healing through prayer must be a divine miracle, while skeptics are equally quick to dismiss miracle claims. Neither approach is evidence-based. If we want miracle claims to be credible, we have to understand the nature and limits of placebo and mind-body effects. These are not just nuisances - they can improve health and can explain more healing experiences than is generally known.  Still, some healings through prayer cannot be explained by any known mind-body effects and thus can properly be called miracles.