Matthew West ‘Don’t Stop Praying’

Written by: Laura Chambers (November 18, 2024)

What does it mean to “pray without ceasing”? The image that comes to mind is of someone continuously murmuring prayers, totally oblivious to what’s happening around them and unable to participate in any other activity. Yet that couldn’t be farther from the truth; prayer makes us more engaged in our world, not less. It’s a stream of consciousness conversation in which we are continuously turning back to God for whatever we think, need, want, and wonder. A lifestyle of seeking after His heart. Matthew West exemplifies the consistent pursuit of God a prayerful life produces in Don’t Stop Praying.

“Don’t Stop Praying” encourages us to continue bringing our long-unanswered prayers to God, no matter how long we’ve been praying without a response. West reminds us that a little faith can accomplish great things, giving several examples of supposedly hopeless causes that are anything but, if we’d only place them in God’s hands.

“Last Page of the Bible” takes comfort in knowing that spite of the chaos consuming our world, we already know that Jesus has won and will reign victorious after all of our pain isn’t even a memory anymore. Anne Wilson joins West for this spirited celebration of Christ’s victory, the best happy ending of all.

“Chosen” speaks to everyone who feels as though God could never accept or love them. We have all the proof we need in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that He chose us. He knows us, made us, loves us, and welcomes all sinners who choose Him into His family.

“Unashamed” recalls the stories of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego, and Daniel, how they didn’t bow to idols and survived the ordeals unscathed. Like those brave men, we ought to boldly declare the truth of God and live like we believe, no matter who objects or what consequences result.

In “My Why”, West proclaims that his reason for being alive is to live in such a way that it pleases God. Among the qualities he hopes to cultivate are forgiveness, humility, love, gratitude, surrender, and grace.

“18 Summers” is a tender look back on the first 18 years of his daughter’s life, each year marked by the memories of summertime. Matthew wishes time could slow down or even rewind because it didn’t seem nearly long enough before his baby left the nest. Nevertheless, he thanks God for the gift of his daughter and looks forward to being able to share in her life in the future.

“Life Is Good” persists in praising God despite the daily influx of problems, because He answers our prayers and is still on the throne. Our joy need not be tied to our present circumstances; it is deeply rooted in our souls, so firmly planted that nothing can remove it.

In “Goodbye Yesterday”, Matthew bids adieu to the past, explaining his reasons for leaving it behind. He chooses not to be mired in regrets after learning of Jesus’ love, walking instead into the light of a future filled with hope, truth, forgiveness, and liberty.

“The Place Only We Know” depicts the presence of God as a sacred meeting place we visit when we pray. There, we can be vulnerable and honest about our fears and feelings; we don’t have to perform. God listens to us and always gives us exactly what we need.

“God’s Hand” attributes the inexplicable miracles of life to God’s intervention. West recounts a couple of personal examples of God’s grace and his belief that it’s the only possible explanation. He then describes all the ways God’s hand works in our lives, from the earth-shattering to the deeply personal. Anyone who’s ever survived against all odds or watched all the pieces fit together in their lives learns to do their part and leave the rest to God.

In “Breakthrough’s Coming”, West and Steven McWhirter declare that the answers to our prayers are imminent. God is more than able to make a way for us through the storm. We can confidently trust in His promises, because we have seen Him do great things in the past.

“To Be With Jesus” ends the album with a futurespective hymn of the life to come. Someday, we’ll be worshipping Christ forever and ever, safe, secure, and satisfied. It’s the perfect ending to the album and to life.

How, then, are we to sustain ourselves through both the rhythms of the ordinary and the chaos of the extraordinary? Prayer is the perfect and best response to every circumstance. Matthew West calls us to keep the lines of communication open between ourselves and our savior, whether we’re struggling or thriving. Don’t Stop Praying demonstrates the possibilities available to us when we deepen our relationship with God.

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