This Conviction Inspired Matthew West’s Latest Album

Published: November 19, 2024

This Conviction Inspired Matthew West’s Latest Album

By Movieguide® Contributor

Christian artist Matthew West shared his heart behind his new album, “Don’t Stop Praying.”

The album was sparked by a conviction to not spend more time talking about Jesus than actually talking to Him.

“These songs are kind of an outpouring of me going, ‘God, forgive me if that’s ever been the case,’ and ‘God, bring me back to the quiet place help me to become more disciplined in my personal prayer and quiet time,’” the singer told Worship Leader.

His 13th studio album, West hopes “Don’t Stop Praying” inspires people to return to prayer.

“The best way I can describe this record is that it’s a record filled with songs that have been not just written, but lived,” shared West. “Each song in its own way is inspired by the different types of prayers we find ourselves praying throughout our lives. We pray prayers for strength when we are weak, prayers for a miracle when we need a breakthrough, prayers for purpose when we feel lost.”

West explained how hearing some of the struggles of others also encouraged him to write his music.

“I actually kind of keep an open door with people who listen to my music and have a way to share their story with me,” West said. “We have a whole nonprofit where people can just write to me and tell me what’s going on. My mom and my dad run the nonprofit with me, and we write back to them. We have a whole prayer network, and people can share what’s going on in their lives.”

West noticed that many people struggle with the same things: shame and feeling unworthy.

“Can I just tell you, one of the biggest themes that I pick up on, because there are themes when you read thousands of stories and not start to see, okay, gosh, you know what, the enemy is crafty…he really has kind of the same tricks that he’s approaching all of our lives.”

When people feel that way, he reminds them of the truth of what God says about us.

“…1 Peter that reminds us that we’re chosen, a royal priesthood, that God has called us out of that darkness of unworthiness and into his marvelous light,” West said.

This Thanksgiving season, West is encouraging his fans to continue praying and thanking God for His gifts.

“I wonder what Thanksgiving season looks like for you this year,” he asked on Instagram. “Is it a mountaintop season? Or are you struggling as you walk through a valley? There are seasons when gratitude doesn’t come easy.”

“But I want to encourage you today with this thought: gratitude is something that can be chosen regardless of our circumstances. Take a moment today to be intentional choose gratitude. “Dear God, despite what I’m going through, I am thankful for______”