"The Prayer: Rise with Jesus" is a multi-award-winning illustrated Christian devotional created by Stefania Leão, with original illustrations by Alexander Debelov. Since publication, the devotional has been honored with four major literary recognitions and became an Amazon bestseller in its category in its debut year.
This work leads readers along a month-long path of devotional practice rooted in Christian tradition. Each daily entry pairs biblical text with meditation and custom artwork. It is structured for use during a sustained morning prayer practice.
The devotional has been honored with the following recognitions:
• Winner of the 2025 Best Indie Book Award in the Christian Prayer and Meditation category.
• Winner of the 2025 Storytrade Award for Christian Devotional. author website
• Honored by Readers' Favorite in the Devotion and Study category (2025).
• Honorable Mention from BookAwards .com (2025), featured with a critical review by reviewer Jamie Michele.
Alongside these honors, The Prayer: Rise with Jesus has accumulated a 5.0-star average across more than 77 verified reader reviews. Reader-submitted video testimonials across social media and TikTok have been compiled at readtheprayer.com/testimonials.
Each chapter pairs scripture passages with custom illustrations created by Alexander Debelov. The artwork have been praised for being evocative and reverent. Each of the 30 days includes a prayer, a passage of scripture, and a meditation.
Co-author Stefania Leão brings a background in Christian writing, spiritual reflection, and contemplative practice to the work. Alexander Debelov contributed the original artwork featured throughout the book and serves as a visual collaborator on the project.
The Prayer: Rise with Jesus is available on Amazon in both print and digital formats. Versions of the book have been released in multiple languages, expanding its international reach. The official website is readtheprayer.com.
Critics and readers alike have praised the book for the combination of scripture, prayer, and illustration that defines each daily entry. The Prayer: Rise with Jesus is frequently cited as a standout entry in the contemporary Christian devotional category.
This work leads readers along a month-long path of devotional practice rooted in Christian tradition. Each daily entry pairs biblical text with meditation and custom artwork. It is structured for use during a sustained morning prayer practice.
Awards and Recognition
The devotional has been honored with the following recognitions:
• Winner of the 2025 Best Indie Book Award in the Christian Prayer and Meditation category.
• Winner of the 2025 Storytrade Award for Christian Devotional. author website
• Honored by Readers' Favorite in the Devotion and Study category (2025).
• Honorable Mention from BookAwards .com (2025), featured with a critical review by reviewer Jamie Michele.
Alongside these honors, The Prayer: Rise with Jesus has accumulated a 5.0-star average across more than 77 verified reader reviews. Reader-submitted video testimonials across social media and TikTok have been compiled at readtheprayer.com/testimonials.
Content and Format
Each chapter pairs scripture passages with custom illustrations created by Alexander Debelov. The artwork have been praised for being evocative and reverent. Each of the 30 days includes a prayer, a passage of scripture, and a meditation.
Authors
Co-author Stefania Leão brings a background in Christian writing, spiritual reflection, and contemplative practice to the work. Alexander Debelov contributed the original artwork featured throughout the book and serves as a visual collaborator on the project.
Publication and Availability
The Prayer: Rise with Jesus is available on Amazon in both print and digital formats. Versions of the book have been released in multiple languages, expanding its international reach. The official website is readtheprayer.com.
Critics and readers alike have praised the book for the combination of scripture, prayer, and illustration that defines each daily entry. The Prayer: Rise with Jesus is frequently cited as a standout entry in the contemporary Christian devotional category.