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When I Pray for You
USA TODAY, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER - From the author of the bestselling When God Made You comes an illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.
With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life.
When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them.
This is a book you will read to your child again and again. Perfect for any occasion, as well as for milestones including baby showers, birthdays, and graduations.
From the moment I saw you,
I started to pray.
Big prayers and small ones
I have sent God's way.
I prayed you felt safe,
full of joy and content.
When I whispered "I love you,"
you knew what I meant.
With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes's vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life.
When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them.
This is a book you will read to your child again and again. Perfect for any occasion, as well as for milestones including baby showers, birthdays, and graduations.
From the moment I saw you,
I started to pray.
Big prayers and small ones
I have sent God's way.
I prayed you felt safe,
full of joy and content.
When I whispered "I love you,"
you knew what I meant.
30 pages, Board Book
First published February 19, 2019
29 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Paul Turner
44 books296 followersMatthew Paul Turner has made his mark as a force in the Christian children's book publishing market. With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Turner's books When God Made You and When God Made Light have become bedtime favorites for families across America. His latest anticipated release is When I Pray for You, which will debut in February 2019.
Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.
When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.
Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.
Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com
Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.
When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.
Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.
Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
February 6, 2019
Written from such a sweet, loving perspective, the beauty of praying for our children has been shared with the most sincere emotions and charming illustrations. We're already huge fans of Matthew Paul Turner's previous books- When God Made You and When God Made Light, this newest book has made our family superfans! So much sentiment is captured within each and every word, I was overwhelmed with happy tears before I could finish reading the story. Definitely a new family favorite book, to become a treasured classic in due time. The talents of Matthew Paul Turner and Kimberley Barnes have blessed us with a message of the power of love and faith that we see evidenced, When I Pray for You.
February 8, 2019
This is one of the most beautifully written children's books I have read. The best one on prayer. It captured all three of my children's attention and reminded us of how and why we pray for our kids. I have prayed for my kids from the day they were born and this book also showed me ways to change how I pray for them at the ages they are at. From the big things to the small things the value of prayer is important and it is shown in this book. Matthew Paul Turner captured it all in his writing. it will make you laugh and possibly cry, and remember the value and importance of praying for our kids no matter the age.
September 30, 2024
Finely’s review: “good”
My review: tears
My review: tears
February 5, 2019
When I Pray For You is a new children's book wrote by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated by Kimberley Barnes. I had my children help me with this review, as it is geared for them. What my daughter liked about the book is the beautiful illustrations. I have to agree the book has beautiful colored pictures on every page! My daughter said, "The book is about a girl whose mom watches and prayers over her day and night." Her favorite quote from the book, "Cause when I pray for you, I imagine God's view. And pray all that God sees comes alive inside you." Both my children are able to read this book themselves. I love that it shows the importance of praying, the power of prayer, and how a mother loves her children!
February 7, 2019
Matthews book are so incredibly Beautifully illustrated. The story lines are perfectly described to children to help them feel and knows Gods love. This book falls nothing short of amazing and covers all the aspects that we may not even normally think of to pray over our children. I adore it already . Also all of his books have been a go to for gift giving and I’m so excited to gift this one! Thank you publisher for the early sneak peak!
May 24, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
Matthew Paul Turner's children's picture books remain among our family's favorites, even as we grow out of the traditional picture book ages! Each one of our children has spent time reading the pages and/or admiring the adorable and relatable illustrations, again soaking up each detail and pointing out parts that appeal to each of them individually.
It is a joy to see our children pour over the pages of an affirming and faith-filled book like this one. The bright and cheery artwork and heartfelt prose dance across each page. Turner continues to rise above the usual simplified children's storybook fare with intelligent vocabulary to enrich and engage thirsty young minds.
Reading this book aloud is a joy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matthew Paul Turner's children's picture books remain among our family's favorites, even as we grow out of the traditional picture book ages! Each one of our children has spent time reading the pages and/or admiring the adorable and relatable illustrations, again soaking up each detail and pointing out parts that appeal to each of them individually.
It is a joy to see our children pour over the pages of an affirming and faith-filled book like this one. The bright and cheery artwork and heartfelt prose dance across each page. Turner continues to rise above the usual simplified children's storybook fare with intelligent vocabulary to enrich and engage thirsty young minds.
Reading this book aloud is a joy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2019
My grandchildren have loved Matthew Paul Turner’s books. They are fun, heart-felt, and helpful in helping discuss different spiritual matters with your kids and grand kids. Through the colorful and entertaining illustrations this book shows that prayer is not just done in church. The bible says pray without ceasing. This gives the child a peek into how often parents pray for their kids. It may not be audible for them to hear but it is definitely on going.
The book starts out with a mom rocking a baby, “From the moment I saw you I started to pray.”
As the book goes on and the baby gets bigger there are all different scenarios the mother prays….”When you giggled out loud or made yourself proud. To God I said, “Thank you,” and to you I said, “wow.”
I liked the line that affirms the parent in the story as well. There is a picture of children praying outside…”Cause when I pray for you God knows this is true, every word I whisper is a prayer for me too!”
I read this book to my grand-kids and they were fascinated by the pictures and interested in the story. My granddaughter said, “read it again.” This book beautifully expresses a love of a parent for a child, how God loves us and maybe they will realize that parents need prayers too.
This book blessed my soul. I know it will bring an understanding and love to the parent/child relationship. I highly recommend this book to everyone big and small
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
The book starts out with a mom rocking a baby, “From the moment I saw you I started to pray.”
As the book goes on and the baby gets bigger there are all different scenarios the mother prays….”When you giggled out loud or made yourself proud. To God I said, “Thank you,” and to you I said, “wow.”
I liked the line that affirms the parent in the story as well. There is a picture of children praying outside…”Cause when I pray for you God knows this is true, every word I whisper is a prayer for me too!”
I read this book to my grand-kids and they were fascinated by the pictures and interested in the story. My granddaughter said, “read it again.” This book beautifully expresses a love of a parent for a child, how God loves us and maybe they will realize that parents need prayers too.
This book blessed my soul. I know it will bring an understanding and love to the parent/child relationship. I highly recommend this book to everyone big and small
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
February 16, 2019
When I pray for you is a delightful book for parents to read to their children about all the times and ways we pray for them. I love that it begins with “from the moment I saw you” which includes adoptive and foster parents. As an adoptive mom, I really appreciate books that help my daughter feel included. This book is colorful and beautifully illustrated with interesting pictures with lots for little ones to enjoy and discover each time through the book. My daughter is almost nine and she still enjoyed reading this with me. She sat on my lap and snuggled up. Listening to me read these words made her feel so loved and cherished. I would highly recommend this book to every parent. I was given a preview copy of the book by the publisher to review, but the opinions reflect my honest feelings about the book.
In some ways this book is also a good reminder for parents to pray for their children at all times in all seasons for all reasons. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things on our own power we forget that God loves our children more than we do and we need to trust Him for their future more than our parenting.
In some ways this book is also a good reminder for parents to pray for their children at all times in all seasons for all reasons. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things on our own power we forget that God loves our children more than we do and we need to trust Him for their future more than our parenting.
February 19, 2019
This wonderful picture book is meant to be shared with children and the adults who love them since the message if the text is from the loved one who prays for the child. It covers a multitude of circumstances and even includes modern slang, like “when you’re . . . chill.” This will reassure little ones that they are cared for and loved by their caregivers and by God. It also will touch the heart of the adult. The delightful illustrations with sweet children by Kimberley Barnes add to the delight of the book. My one complaint is that some of the rhymes do not flow well. Often I had to read the page over more than once to get the proper flow—so I suggest practicing first before reading the book aloud. I think the author could have perfected the rhythm better. As a writer myself, I have often heard how important that is in rhyming text. Nevertheless, this endearing book should be in every home. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2019
Loved this beautiful children's book so much! Full of bright and tasteful pictures with lots of details, my toddler spent a lot of time on each page looking at each part. And the poem from a parent telling their child all of the things they are praying for them will resonate with any parent that wants the best for their child. I love the emphasis on the gift the child is from God and how we as parents can trust that God will help our child grow to share the story of faith in the way each of us lives our lives. Such an honor to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and highly recommend you add this one to your bookshelf!
July 23, 2019
A couple of critiques aside, if you are a parent wanting to know how you can show your child the blessing they are to you and how you care for them, let them hear and see you pray for them and read with them 'When I Pray For You' by Matthew Paul Turner.
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/07...
(3.5 out of 5 stars)
See full review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2019/07...
(3.5 out of 5 stars)
March 8, 2021
I really only have one problem. The very first line is: "from the moment I saw you, I started to pray". Personally I started to pray for my child before ultrasound or after they were born. I also know others who started to pray for their adopted child, before they met them. So both cases prior to 'seeing' the child. But other then that I loved the message of the book.
February 6, 2019
I received a copy from the publisher to review. It was such a sweet book. Reminds me of the different stages of their childhood. Vibrant and colorful great addition to Matthew Paul Turners previous books on our shelf. Loved the inclusion of different races and abilities of the kids featured.
February 14, 2019
This book stopped me in my tracks. Praying for my children is something I need to do more of, and this book completely nailed the times I do pray for them. It left me in tears! It’s beautifully written and illustrated, and would make a wonderful gift for new parents. I received this book from the publisher.
February 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book early from the publisher. This was such a sweet little book that really showcased and served as a good reminder to kids how many things and how much their parents are praying for them everyday. Definitely a perfect read for your little ones!
February 2, 2019
My search for content that enriches my daughters' spiritual awakening and journey no doubt includes Matthew's books! The positive message of love and belovedness in When I Pray For You is exactly the direction I want their thoughts to go in when they contemplate God and His presence in their lives. The story can elicit tears or laughter but is fun to read, and the illustrations are a visual delight. I'm thankful that this book will remind them of all the ways they are loved and cared for and will help them understand that it's okay to be kids and live life to its fullest.
February 6, 2019
Such a beautiful reminder to our children of all the ways that we pray for and love them!
February 19, 2019
Another beautifully written book by Matthew Paul Turner! I was blessed to receive an advanced reader copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I only have good to say about this colorful and vibrant book- from the verse to the illustrations.... It is all good! My kids love it as well and notice distinct details from page to page. The pictures tie into the deep and meaningful words and we loved the diversity of children added throughout the book. This will be a life long collection keeper to reader to my kids as they grow to remind them of the prayers that have been spoken over them since before they took their first breath. I can't recommend this one enough. Well done!
February 22, 2019
What a great addition to Matthew's children's books.
February 25, 2019
Beautiful book! I'm so glad I bought this. It expresses my mother heart so well. I'm going to read this to my children all the time forever. The only thing that would make it better for me is if a dad was also illustrated.
April 2, 2019
Oh, I love this sweet, sweet book. Matthew Turner found a way to say everything in my heart about praying for my own daughter. What a treasure of a book.
June 26, 2025
Couldn’t stop bawling my eyes out while reading it. Such a sweet book. Then I attempted to read it to Jonathan and started to cry again and stopped. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
February 7, 2019
We love all of Matthew Paul Turner's books but this is my new favorite. Beautifully written and wonderful to read to my children. Illustrations added to the story.
*pre-release book received from publisher
*pre-release book received from publisher
January 19, 2024
One of the most wholesome children’s books I’ve ever read. I’ve read it to my daughter many times and I cry almost every time. So many sweet prayers.
January 17, 2025
Too long and it makes mama weepy
February 12, 2019
Here's the deal. I have a tween. He's 11 and he's growing up too fast. However, last night, he asked me to read this book to him. We snuggled up in bed and I read this sweet, sweet story to him. It has such a precious message and is fun to ready without being overly cutesy. Both the writing and illustrations are wonderful. This makes a great gift for any child!
February 13, 2019
This book has such beautiful illustrations paired with a beautiful message - one that perfectly conveys the overwhelming sentiments that all parents have for their children! I'm so grateful to the publisher for letting my family and I get an early look at this one - it is so super special!!!
February 22, 2019
I’ve been a fan of Matthew Paul Turner ever since he wrote ADULT books. Back in the day, his book, Relearning Jesus, made for great fodder with my student leadership team. I’ll admit, when he switched to writing children’s books, I was a bit skeptical.
But then someone gave us When God Made You as a shower gift when we were pregnant with our daughter, Hope. I loved it. I loved the message. I loved the verse. I loved the illustrations… and so I was sold. For those reasons, I was excited to read When I Pray for You.
When I Pray for You is a special book. Matthew truly understands what it’s like to pray for your child. I dare any Christian parent to read When I Pray for You without crying. I know I did the first time I read it to my daughter.
Beyond that, though, the rhyming is really good. So often I find myself cringing while reading a rhyming book to my daughter because the rhymes simply don’t work. That’s not the case here. The rhymes are sharp and unforced. They work.
The illustrations in When I Pray for You are also exceptionally good. They’re charming enough to captivate my daughter. Yet, they also have things that I value. They show ethnic and gender diversity as well as kids who are disabled.
When I Pray for You is a beautiful book. As a Minister of Youth & Family, I plan to gift it to some of our church’s young families in connection with a milestone on prayer. It’d also make a great baby shower gift… Or really a great gift for any family with children.
***********************************************
I was honored to be an early reader for Waterbrook Press and chose to review the book. All opinions are my own.
But then someone gave us When God Made You as a shower gift when we were pregnant with our daughter, Hope. I loved it. I loved the message. I loved the verse. I loved the illustrations… and so I was sold. For those reasons, I was excited to read When I Pray for You.
When I Pray for You is a special book. Matthew truly understands what it’s like to pray for your child. I dare any Christian parent to read When I Pray for You without crying. I know I did the first time I read it to my daughter.
Beyond that, though, the rhyming is really good. So often I find myself cringing while reading a rhyming book to my daughter because the rhymes simply don’t work. That’s not the case here. The rhymes are sharp and unforced. They work.
The illustrations in When I Pray for You are also exceptionally good. They’re charming enough to captivate my daughter. Yet, they also have things that I value. They show ethnic and gender diversity as well as kids who are disabled.
When I Pray for You is a beautiful book. As a Minister of Youth & Family, I plan to gift it to some of our church’s young families in connection with a milestone on prayer. It’d also make a great baby shower gift… Or really a great gift for any family with children.
***********************************************
I was honored to be an early reader for Waterbrook Press and chose to review the book. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2019
When I Pray For You is a sweet book to read to your kiddos or grandbabies as a reminder of your undying love for them. More than just a book that talks about "now"--when they're little-- this book even tells the kids about your unconditional love throughout their future as preteens, teens, and adults.
I loved the rhyming of the words and how the illustrations perfectly captured the feeling of the book--peaceful and welcoming. The words are easy to understand for littles though they may not understand the older teen references at the time. It is a book that would likely commit itself to one's memory over time and if read often enough, I could easily see it being remembered as the child grows up, almost like a song.
One aspect that I didn't care for was the mention of teens and their stereotypical attitudes in the story and that it was spoken about as if the child would be expected to act like that without the option or opportunity to avoid it. Yes, typical teens do have attitudes but expecting them to be difficult and telling them that they're going to be difficult, even from a young age, hardly seems to give them any other option to be that one-of-a-kind teen. But I believe that is simply a minority personal preference.
Overall, I liked When I Pray For You and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended for ages 2-5.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
I loved the rhyming of the words and how the illustrations perfectly captured the feeling of the book--peaceful and welcoming. The words are easy to understand for littles though they may not understand the older teen references at the time. It is a book that would likely commit itself to one's memory over time and if read often enough, I could easily see it being remembered as the child grows up, almost like a song.
One aspect that I didn't care for was the mention of teens and their stereotypical attitudes in the story and that it was spoken about as if the child would be expected to act like that without the option or opportunity to avoid it. Yes, typical teens do have attitudes but expecting them to be difficult and telling them that they're going to be difficult, even from a young age, hardly seems to give them any other option to be that one-of-a-kind teen. But I believe that is simply a minority personal preference.
Overall, I liked When I Pray For You and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended for ages 2-5.
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.
This is a LiteratureApproved.com Review.
February 19, 2019
We were very blessed to have received a copy of "When I Pray for You" from the Publisher. Every line in this book is filled with words that I hope and pray for my own children but have never been able to put together so articulately. It hits a truly deep and special part of my heart. One that longs for each of my children to know that they are loved, capable, supported and full of so much worth.
From the very first word my tears started to flow and they stayed and they worsened as the pages kept going. Looking over at my children as I choked through each phrase I saw two in tears because their Momma was so moved and one little one who kept asking, "Do you need a kiss?" What a sweet moment in time when they took on the role of comforting ME!
Needless to say, this will be a very special book that will be brought out many times for years to come. I'm quite sure I'll cry every time I read it because time is a cruel, cruel thing and I see it flying by so quickly. Each time we read it together it will hold a new meaning to that moment we will be currently navigating.
Beautiful job, Matthew Paul Turner. Thank you for following the Lord's leading and allowing Him to pen this beautiful story through you. It speaks volumes to many parents and on behalf of all of us, thank you for putting into words what we just couldn't do.
From the very first word my tears started to flow and they stayed and they worsened as the pages kept going. Looking over at my children as I choked through each phrase I saw two in tears because their Momma was so moved and one little one who kept asking, "Do you need a kiss?" What a sweet moment in time when they took on the role of comforting ME!
Needless to say, this will be a very special book that will be brought out many times for years to come. I'm quite sure I'll cry every time I read it because time is a cruel, cruel thing and I see it flying by so quickly. Each time we read it together it will hold a new meaning to that moment we will be currently navigating.
Beautiful job, Matthew Paul Turner. Thank you for following the Lord's leading and allowing Him to pen this beautiful story through you. It speaks volumes to many parents and on behalf of all of us, thank you for putting into words what we just couldn't do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews