As election day approaches, political bumper stickers and yard signs are becoming more popular and visible. But there’s a new campaign taking America by storm – and this one is centered around prayer, faith, and trust in God.

It’s called the Don’t Stop Praying Movement and is inspiring the placement of “Don’t Stop Praying” yard signs around the country.

The Daily Citizen recently spoke with Christian singer-songwriter Matthew West, a five-time Grammy nominee who was NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year and ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient. West has received RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, an American Music Award, and won three GMA Dove Awards in addition to other accolades.

We also spoke with Pastor Joe West (Matthew West’s father) and Ardean Veldkamp, who serves on the board of Popwe, a ministry founded by the musician that exists to “connect, inspire, and give hope through the redemptive power of Christ with story, prayer, and discipleship.”

Pastor West shared with us about the origins of the Don’t Stop Praying Movement. It was inspired by Matthew West’s single “Don’t Stop Praying” which was released earlier this year.

“After Matthew wrote the song, his assistant got the idea to create signs based off it,” Pastor West said. “They had some signs made, and then our board members at Popwe thought, ‘This is powerful.’ They got a vision to place signs everywhere in the country.”

After one of Popwe’s board members placed a sign in his yard, a woman come to his front door. She said, “I was so discouraged and ready to give up. But then I saw that sign, ‘Don’t stop praying.’”

“So, the song and the video has really caught on big time,” Pastor West shared, adding,

It’s so important to share this message. Don’t stop praying. Keep praying for our country, for our families, for our world and pray for revival.

At least 3,000 signs are already being distributed.

After the Popwe board caught the vision for the signs, Mr. Veldkamp said he had 400 signs made. He then spoke to his pastor about the signs and brought them to church.

On July 7, 2024, his pastor encouraged the congregation to pick up a sign on their way home. Even with low attendance because of the holiday, at the end of the weekend, all 400 signs were taken.

Mr. Veldkamp shared another recent story about a grandmother who approached him. She told him she was worrying about the direction the country is heading, but then saw five signs while running errands. She started crying and said, “I need to devote more energy to prayer, and less energy to worry.”

Don’t we all?

Mr. Veldkamp added,

The Don’t Stop Praying Movement is offering people a way to make a difference. This is a clear way people can act, and then let the Lord do the work.

It’s inspiring people to get involved and can serve as a great encouragement because God answers prayers.

You can watch a video below of Matthew West spreading hope in Nashville, Tennessee by placing the signs throughout his city:

Speaking to The Daily Citizen, Matthew West reflected on the origins of the song, and why he was inspired to write it.

“A lot my songs are inspired by somebody’s testimony,” West said. “A lot of times at my concerts, people will come up to me and ask if I can pray for them. They feel like they can share with me what they’re going though, and what battles they’re facing.”

He added,

There was a stretch of shows where I’d have these meet and greets before the show. It felt like something was going on. One person after the other was like, “Hey, will you say a prayer for me?”

West recounted one couple in particular who he met before his concert. They were there to worship, because the next day they were going to the hospital. The wife was battling breast cancer and was going in for surgery.

“Those are those ‘right now moments’ where there’s nothing more important than going to Jesus in prayer,” West said.

I wanted to write an anthem about the topic of prayer reminding people that we pray because we have a God who hears us and promises to lean in when we lean into him.

You can listen to “Don’t Stop Praying” below:

West’s latest album Don’t Stop Praying is set to be released on October 4 with a corresponding Don’t Stop Praying Tour beginning on October 5.

While on tour this fall, the musician will encourage his concert attendees to help grow the movement and place a yard sign.

As Christians, we believe in a God who heals, saves, restores, and redeems. We believe in a God who answers prayer.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV).

You can learn more about the Don’t Stop Praying initiative and see how you and your church or organization can join the Don’t Stop Praying Movement. Go to dontstoppraying.com and check out how to order individual yard signs or bulk orders for your church or organization.

You can also submit a prayer request which will be prayed over by the Popwe team.

To speak with a family help specialist or request resources, please call us at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Related articles and resources:

Don’t Stop Praying Movement

An Essential Guide to Effective Prayer for Family

Bringing Purpose and Power to Your Prayer Life

Praying and Stepping Out in Faith

Photo from Getty Images.