Praying the Psalms - a new book by Cynthia Stewart
I seek to bring hope, inspiration and encouragement with my prayers for America. The Holy Spirit prompted me to literally pray the Psalms for America. Journaling my love letters to God each day is a long-standing practice. Praying for America was not a daily habit, nor was praying Psalms. It was an unusual prompting.
It first came in July 2016 when the presidential candidates were chosen. This enriching practice gave me peace and understanding, while sharpening my discernment for truth. The second prompting came in December 2019, leading to the second round of writing daily prayers for America inspired by each Psalm.
With the goal to draw a multitude praying for America, I asked Rhonda Boyle to set up a Facebook group and post my daily prayers. The group has grown to 600, with many words of gratitude for the peace and comfort the prayers provide, along with the request to publish them. Westbow Press released Volume 1 in November 2020 and will release Volume 2 this summer.
“You will find rest, peace, reassurance and encouragement on these pages.”
– Jenette McEntire
“‘Praying Psalms for America’ is a treasury of prayers revealing the Word’s timeless richness. The cries of the Psalmists echo through time and amplify our own cries for truth and justice to prevail in our own time. More than a guidebook through the Psalms, this is at once a connection to the Church’s ancient prayers and a conduit for joining in communal prayer with the Church today. You will find rest, peace, reassurance and encouragement on these pages. Let the Word give you voice. Join the chorus of praying Psalms for America! God hears,” Jenette McEntire said about the book.
Margaret Holdridge said, “Before, I start my day, I read ‘Praying Psalms for America’ by Cynthia J. Stewart. I love God and my country, and this book opens up to me ways of praying for my country and for those who lead it. Each morning, I pray a Psalm by praising my gracious, sovereign Lord and asking His guidance and power to lead those who make decisions for America. I especially like how Cynthia was inspired to write this book, with one Psalm each day to pray for our nation and leaders. She is definitely filled with the Holy Spirit as she speaks from her heart to me. Thank you, Cynthia, for taking the time to put into this book your Spirit inspired thoughts and prayers. It is a gift given to each person who reads it daily.”
Cynthia J. Stewart serves as an elder, chairing the COVID-19 Task Force and the Discipleship Committee. In her outreach efforts, she launched FPC LeaderTalks and co-chaired the Global Leadership Summit and The January Series. She previously served as a deacon, and chaired the Mission Base Camp Strategic Planning effort and First Ladies. Cynthia was married to Dr. Jefferson Allen Stewart who passed away in March 2021.