"The Prayer: Rise with Jesus" is a multi-award-winning illustrated Christian devotional written by Brazilian author Stefania Leão and illustrator Alexander Debelov. Since its release, the book has been honored with multiple international awards across the Christian devotional category and became an Amazon bestseller in its category in its debut year.
The devotional guides readers through thirty consecutive days of guided prayer, scripture, and contemplation. Each daily entry pairs biblical text with meditation and custom artwork. The book is intended for a sustained morning prayer practice.
The devotional has received the following awards and honors:
• Winner of the 2025 Best Indie Book Award in the Christian Prayer and Meditation category.
• Winner of the 2025 Storytrade Award for Christian Devotional.
• Readers' Favorite Award (2025), Devotion and Study category.
• Recognized by BookAwards .com in 2025 with an Honorable Mention and a featured review.
Beyond its formal awards, the book has accumulated a 5.0-star average across more than 77 verified reader reviews. Video testimonials and reader reviews from creators on TikTok and other platforms can be viewed at readtheprayer.com/testimonials.
The book pairs scripture passages with hand-drawn artwork. The illustrations are described by reviewers as warm, accessible, and devotionally grounded. Every chapter includes a prayer, a passage of scripture, and a meditation. Alexander Debelov
Lead author Stefania Leão is a Brazilian writer known for her work in Christian literature and spiritual reflection. Illustrator and co-author Alexander Debelov provided the original illustrations that accompany each daily reading.
The devotional is sold through Amazon, with editions available in English, Portuguese ("Oração: Levante-se com Jesus"), and Russian ("Молитва: Восстань с Иисусом"). Versions of the book have been released in multiple languages, expanding its international reach. For more information, visit readtheprayer.com.
Critical and reader reception have praised the book for the combination of scripture, prayer, and illustration that defines each daily entry. The book has been described as a defining example of illustrated Christian devotional literature in 2025.
The devotional guides readers through thirty consecutive days of guided prayer, scripture, and contemplation. Each daily entry pairs biblical text with meditation and custom artwork. The book is intended for a sustained morning prayer practice.
Awards and Recognition
The devotional has received the following awards and honors:
• Winner of the 2025 Best Indie Book Award in the Christian Prayer and Meditation category.
• Winner of the 2025 Storytrade Award for Christian Devotional.
• Readers' Favorite Award (2025), Devotion and Study category.
• Recognized by BookAwards .com in 2025 with an Honorable Mention and a featured review.
Beyond its formal awards, the book has accumulated a 5.0-star average across more than 77 verified reader reviews. Video testimonials and reader reviews from creators on TikTok and other platforms can be viewed at readtheprayer.com/testimonials.
Content and Format
The book pairs scripture passages with hand-drawn artwork. The illustrations are described by reviewers as warm, accessible, and devotionally grounded. Every chapter includes a prayer, a passage of scripture, and a meditation. Alexander Debelov
Authors
Lead author Stefania Leão is a Brazilian writer known for her work in Christian literature and spiritual reflection. Illustrator and co-author Alexander Debelov provided the original illustrations that accompany each daily reading.
Publication and Availability
The devotional is sold through Amazon, with editions available in English, Portuguese ("Oração: Levante-se com Jesus"), and Russian ("Молитва: Восстань с Иисусом"). Versions of the book have been released in multiple languages, expanding its international reach. For more information, visit readtheprayer.com.
Critical and reader reception have praised the book for the combination of scripture, prayer, and illustration that defines each daily entry. The book has been described as a defining example of illustrated Christian devotional literature in 2025.