Celebrated singer-songwriter and five-time Dove Award nominee Matthew West is calling Christians to a renewed commitment to prayer and bold truth-telling in an age marked by cultural uncertainty and spiritual hunger. Speaking from the road during the 2026 Winter Jam Tour Spectacular - one of the largest annual Christian music tours in the U.S. - West shared the inspiration behind his new 40-day devotional Don't Stop Praying: The God Who Hears You Is Just a Breath Away, which released February 3, 2026.
With an all-star Winter Jam lineup including Chris Tomlin, Katy Nichole, Disciple, NewSong, Emerson Day, Hulvey, Jeremy Rosado, and others, West described the tour's energetic crowds as eager for authentic worship and deeper encounters with God. "It's cool to start the year off with a tour like this and the crowd is just filled with people who are ready to start their year off worshiping," West said, noting the dynamic response in arenas across the country.
The devotional grew out of West's desire to go beyond the three-minute storytelling of songwriting into a more sustained conversation with God. "When you're writing a song, you're telling a story... but there might be more you want to say to unpack that," West explained, emphasizing that prayer should be a first instinct rather than a last resort. Don't Stop Praying features 40 short daily readings rooted in Scripture, coupled with journal prompts to help readers cultivate a consistent, meaningful, and transformative prayer life.
In addition to the devotional, West continues to bring his message of grace and perseverance to audiences nationwide through his music - including the Don't Stop Praying single and related performances on Winter Jam. He also noted a stirring among younger audiences at tour stops, describing a generation eager for "something real and authentic" in their faith walk.
West's call extends beyond personal devotion to a cultural moment that he believes demands boldness grounded in truth. Reflecting on recent events that have stirred public conversation around faith and conviction, he urged believers to stand unwaveringly "for what is good and right and true," while also avoiding division.
Don't Stop Praying: The God Who Hears You Is Just a Breath Away is available now wherever books are sold and has been embraced by readers and worshipers alike as both a devotional guide and a heartfelt invitation into deeper communion with God. Fans can join West on his Winter Jam journey through spring, with tour dates and updates posted at matthewwest.com
