When I Pray for You

Heartwarming and Affirming Picture Book Wonderfully Reveals Parents' Great Love and
Tender Care for Their Children

From the Best-Selling Author of When God Made You

In his most profound and beautiful book yet, best-selling author Matthew Paul Turner has given parents fresh words to speak over their children during story time in When I Pray for You (WaterBrook, 2/19/19). With his trademark rhythmical style, Turner beautifully reveals the tender feelings connected with watching a beloved child grow and experience the world.

Prior to becoming a parent, Turner had no idea how often he would pray for his children or how prayer would so profoundly affect him. Now, as the parent of three young children, Turner says, "In many ways, praying is a bit like breathing: a consistent, conscious and subconscious longing of hope on behalf of my kids. Praying over them has been healing for me, redeeming, and it brings peace to my sometimes anxious heart. It's my hope that this book will empower parents with good words to speak over their children."

I prayed you felt safe,
Full of joy and content,
When I whispered "I love you,"
You knew what I meant

When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings that parents pray over their children, while sharing with little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them.

Kimberly Barnes' vivid and exuberant illustrations accentuate the story, providing a colorful landscape for the many prayers that surround a child from the moment they are born to the day they venture into the world.

I pray all you do
brings love and brings light,
and helps the world shine like new.

This beautifully affirming book will be treasured by Turner's many thousands of readers and makes a perfect gift. It will appeal to those from diverse faith backgrounds, including Christian, Jewish and Muslim beliefs. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers will be encouraged to enjoy their children and grandchildren, continuing to pray blessings over them throughout their lives.