At a time when the world feels heavy, 5x GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning artist Matthew West is reminding listeners of the power of prayer with the release of Don’t Stop Praying (Deluxe Edition), available everywhere now.
The expanded record adds five tracks to West’s No. 1 Billboard Top Christian and Gospel Album Chart debut, originally released in Oct. 2024. It includes the sentimental anniversary track “Growing Up & Growing Old” – first shared as a surprise for his wife Emily earlier this year – plus acoustic and piano renditions of fan favorites “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Unashamed,” “18 Summers” and “To Be With Jesus.”
“In a world where it feels like every time we open our news feeds, there’s another tragedy, another reason to lose hope, I’ve been reminded again and again of the power of prayer. Every song on Don’t Stop Praying was written to capture the many kinds of prayers we lift up through the highs and lows of life – prayers of desperation, gratitude, surrender and hope. My prayer is that this deluxe version of the album would remind people that even in the darkest days, God hears us, He answers, and He’s not done working. So no matter what you’re facing, don’t stop praying.”
Upon release, Don’t Stop Praying received praise for its inspiring and “equally unique message[s]” (Forbes). GRAMMY.com noted “the contemporary Christian stalwart’s latest body of work uplifts throughout its 12 tracks,” while K-LOVE praised it as “a masterclass in storytelling…proving 12 times over why he continues to be one of the best songwriters of our time.”
West will take this message of encouragement on the road for his Don’t Stop Praying Tour, bringing the album to life across 13 cities nationwide with special guest Peter Burton. After consistently selling out show after show during the tour’s initial 34-city run last year, West continues to bring communities together with nights of prayer and worship. In addition, he will join MercyMe and TobyMac for eight arena shows this September and October.
This summer, West signed with The Neal Agency for booking representation and continues to contribute to the genre as a songwriter, including a recent cut on Jon Reddick’s “No Fear,” which held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart for 10 consecutive weeks. Earlier this year, West co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards for the eighth time and was recognized with the Book Impact Award for his 30-day devotional My Story, Your Glory.
Don’t Stop Praying (Deluxe Edition) Tracklist:
1. “Don’t Stop Praying”
2. “Last Page of the Bible” (feat. Anne Wilson)
3. “Chosen”
4. “Unashamed”
5. “My Why”
6. “18 Summers”
7. “Life Is Good”
8. “Goodbye Yesterday”
9. “The Place Only We Know”
10. “God’s Hand”
11. “Breakthrough’s Coming” (feat. Stephen McWhirter)
12. “To Be with Jesus”
13. “Growing Up & Growing Old”
14. “Don’t Stop Praying” (Acoustic)
15. “Unashamed” (Acoustic)
16. “18 Summers” (Piano Version)
17. “To Be With Jesus” (Piano Version)
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