Poems & Prayers: Matthew McConaughey's brand new inspirational book

by Matthew McConaughey

From the Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Greenlights comes an inspiring, faith-filled, and often hilarious collection of personal poetry and prayers about navigating the rodeo of life and chasing down the original dream, belief.

My prayers are my poems are my prayers.

I've always relied on logic to make sense of myself and the world.

A prescriptionist at heart, I've always looked to reason to find the rhyme, the practical to get to the mystical, the choreography to find the dance, the proof to get to the truth, and reality to get to the dream.

I've been finding that tougher to do lately. It's more than hard to know what to believe in; it's hard to believe.

But I don't want to quit believing, and I don't want to stop believing in . . . humanity, you, myself, our potential.

I think it's time for us to flip the script on what's historically been our means of making sense, and instead open our aperture to enchantment and look to faith, belief, and dreams for our reality.

Let's sing more than we might make sense, believe in more than the world can conclude, get more impressed with the wow instead of the how, let inspiration interrupt our appointments, dream our way to reality, serve some soul food to our hungry heads, put proof on the shelf for a season, and rhyme our way to reason.

Forget logic, certainty, owning, or making a start-up company of it; let's go beyond what we can merely imagine, and believe, in the poetry of life.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Memoir, Philosophy, Religion, Biography

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is a married man, a father of three children, and a loyal son and brother. He considers himself a storyteller by occupation, believes it's okay to have a beer on the way to the temple, feels better with a day's sweat on him, and is an aspiring orchestral conductor.

In 2009, Matthew and his wife, Camila, founded the just keep livin Foundation, which helps at-risk high school students make healthier mind, body, and spirit choices. In 2019, McConaughey became a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, as well as Minister of Culture/M.O.C. for the University of Texas and the City of Austin. McConaughey is also brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch.

Reviews

[Ashlee Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Matthew McConaughey can get me to purchase a physical copy as well as an audio book of the same book.

[Matthew Burris]

There’s a poem about Candycrush

[Amak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright alright alright.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars


Matthew McConaughey narrating this book was everything. He’s an excellent storyteller and has a great knack for drawing you in with his voice. This book of poems and prayers felt disjointed to me, and let's be honest, I’m not a huge poetry person, but it was good.

Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Matthew McConaughey
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Poetry
Length:2h 11m

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge Matthew McConaughey fanboy, so feel free to put this rating down to bias and move on.

[paige (ptsungirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Memory never forgets, even though we do."

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a small collection of original poems, and random thoughts by McConaughey. Some are exactly what you expect, flippant and lighthearted while others are quite remarkable with their insight into faith and the meaning of life. Apparently, he has been writing since 1989, before his 1993 Dazed and Confused performance and his writings show a lot of soul searching trying to find the purpose of life and basically how he just strives to be a better person.

"Never give up your right to do the next right thing. This is how we find our way home."

"I feel caught between trying to make heaven on earth and trying to get to heaven after I leave here."

[Katie B]

Thank you to Crown Publishing for sending me a free copy!

Back in 2020, I read Matthew McConaughey‘s memoir, GREENLIGHTS, and was pleasantly surprised to learn he is an introspective person. He’s not caught up in the Hollywood fame game. He’s just trying to figure out that whole place in this world thing like the rest of us. He has a desire to live life to the fullest and put in the work to be the best version of himself. I walked away thinking of him in a positive light which is why I was eager to pick up his latest book, POEMS & PRAYERS.

For the last four decades, Matthew has put pen to paper and this book is a collection of poems and thoughts he has written down over the years. I’ll admit I’m not a frequent reader of poetry so I don’t really have a frame of reference to judge this book. This type of writing is personal and so I didn’t feel a connection to everything in this collection and that’s perfectly fine. I liked most of what he wrote though and I’m not ashamed to admit Deuces got a laugh out of me. His son Livingston talking about dandelions was so adorable and brought a smile to my face.

Overall, it was a nice change of pace read for me and one I’d recommend picking up if you enjoyed his memoir.

[Joshua Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

8.5/10 Matthew is a king of self-awareness. No past action of his slips by him that he’s done, which seems simple enough, but for us regular mortals, we like to pretend parts of us don’t exist. We’re afraid of them or ashamed even. Matthew is all about making sense of who we are and then making who we are make sense. There’s a lot to learn in something like that. Proverbial even.

[Gary Parkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so great! It is a bit of a mix between Greenlights and his childrens’ book. So many nuggets of wisdom in a very relatable way. Already recommending this book to others!

[Nicole Ziske · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'll keep my thoughts to myself..

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his acknowledgments give thanks to his wife, Lord Byron, Jack Kerouac and Bob Dylan to name a few… I loved this book and needed it. To me, it was perfect.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greenlights proved to readers everywhere that there's more to Matthew McConaughey than some spontaneous, alliterative catchphrase. Poems & Prayers proves that McConaughey's artistic layers run deep.

McConaughey has been writing poems since he was 18, reading Lord Byron - in a bath tub in Australia - while considering becoming a monk. Poems & Prayers is a collection of these poems, but also a few of his personal proverbs and prayers.

"POEMS ARE A SATURDAY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WEEK," writes McConaughey, an escape, a reprieve. What follows are a few excerpts that I got lost in and that I'll no doubt revisit from time to time.

Greenlights Intermezzo (excerpt)
"We're all gonna die, our eulogy will introduce
us when we're gone.
So how are we gonna live a life we look forward
to looking back at?"

On faith and kindness and service and more: "... because even though your only home is Heaven, if you keep trying to find and make Heaven on Earth, you'll get back home when you leave."

On time: "These days we have more things that supposedly allow us to be more productive in a shorter amount of time, but I feel like we're racing against time more than ever before. That math doesn't add up." And later, "So many people are obsessed with how to live longer instead of how to live better...I don't know about you, but I'd rather live sixty satisfying years than ninety not."

Twice the Time.
"Living in my future and missing my past,
racing against time instead of making it last.
Like a moment ahead's gonna double up the past one,
and an hour later's gonna make up for the last one.
This showing up early's just as late of a fix,
as 8 is to 4 when the truth's at 6.
Just feels like this dying is a one-way debit,
so I'm getting ahead to find equal credit."

On life: "Life's hard. It's supposed to be. That's the inevitable deal. And once we admit it, we're more ready for it, and it's a lot easier to handle.

Good Man
There's a difference between a good man and a nice guy.
A good man stands for certain ideals.
And when those beliefs are contested,
a good man is not a nice guy.

I was all greenlights on Greenlights. On Poems & Prayers, I pray Matthew McConaughey keeps on writing.

4 out of 5

[Jeff Koeppen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember when Thomas Jefferson created the Jefferson Bible by physically cutting out sections of the New Testament which mentioned the miracles Jesus performed and all other mentions of the supernatural? I would love to do that with Poems and Prayers - cut out the religious parts. I’d rate a secular version of this book four stars without the one star religious content.

I’m a fan of McConaughey’s work, especially movies Interstellar and Dallas Buyers Club, and I loved Greenlights (FIVE stars....alright, alright, alright!). I was cautiously optimistic that I would like his newest book even though the title contained the word "prayers" because I think Matthew is a good storyteller. He's hilarious and always has something interesting to say. I was looking forward to hearing him tell me stories and read poems on my commute to work.

I found the poems to be very entertaining for the most part. If you read Greenlights you know that he has been writing poems for much of his life. You cannot beat McConaughey’s narration – he made each poem unique and added his personal touches through inflection and laughter. The poems and accompanying stories were often hilarious. After a poem about riding a bike up and down hills in Vietnam he recounted a story about Woody Harrelson who traveled there with him and how Woody got in a cab after a night of libations but had no idea of the name or address of his hotel.

The religion though. It was all too much. Writing letters to a god. Having conversations with a god. Cherry-picking profound Bible passages (what about the some of the creepy passages?). A religious person might very well enjoy the "Faith & Doubt" chapter. Of course he can’t talk about his relationship with god without bringing up us atheists. I was confused by his atheist poem, though. Atheists believe in one less god than theists do, and that’s it. In every other way we are the same as everyone else. I don’t understand the message here:

There’s no such thing as an atheist

We all believe in something, even if that something is nothing.

And just because it’s signed anonymous doesn’t mean it has no author.

Other poems and commentary I especially enjoyed was the short “Pep Rallies” poem critical of political extremists and the clever and funny “Shades for the Eclipse” poem.

I went to a bookstore and perused a paper copy of Poems and Prayers and seeing the poems physically laid out on paper gave them a different feel I thought. The poems, and stories related to each poem, were easier to differentiate in the paper book than in the audio book where it all seemed to run together and I had to think for a bit to determine if what I was hearing was a story or a poem.

I would recommend this to fans of Greenlights. And if you are in a bookstore check out the paper version and read some of your favorites to get a different feel of them. Three stars means I liked it. It was short so I listened twice, and will probably revisit someday.

[Kelsey Soubasis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh Matthew the whimsy, care free, man fairy you are!

[Biljana · Rating 4 out of 5]

''I'm not sure what the
obsession with my
memory's about.
I was there.''

Mislim da samo McConaughey može da napiše ovakvu zbirku pjesama i molitvi, a da mu čitaoci u potpunosti povjeruju.

Od svoje osamnaeste godine Matthew je počeo pisati pjesme, tačnije rime, kako ih on naziva, a ova praksa se nastavila i do danas, uz dodatak ličnih molitvi, nakon što je otkrio vjeru i značaj razgovora sa Bogom, kao dio svakodnevnice.

''Poems & Prayers'' autorova je želja da se, bar na trenutak, odreknemo logike, materijalnog i užurbanog i prepustimo se onom što je unutra - vjeri (u bilo šta), mašti, stihovima, koji će nas odvesti na plesni podijum nekog jednostavnijeg, srećnijeg postojanja.

''Please remind me to give
thanks IN all circumstances
not FOR all circumstances.''

[Sanchesca Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is just another reason to love Matthew McConaughey. Of course I said his name in my best GloRilla voice🤭 (from the song Shyne by Travis Scott). The poems and prayers in this date back to 1989 some of which were his notes on napkins, voice memos, prayers, and there’s even one entry from his daughter ❤️ Every entry was inspired by his personal experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly. From struggles to success to moments of clarity.

I read along with the audio book which was nice because he narrates it and he gives you extra tidbits of information. The only thing I didn’t enjoy about the audio book was when he laughed because it didn’t sound like genuine laughter/chuckles to me but his voice made up for it.

Like I said just another reason to love Matthew McConaughey💕

[Jen Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is something. If it were anyone else I’d be super irritated to listen to them read me their poems from when they were 18, but McConaughey is so freaking charming it kind of works.

[Anyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every time we stand to be corrected, we also stand to be correct.”
“There’s no such thing as an atheist. We all believe in something, even if that something is nothing. And just because it’s signed anonymous doesn’t mean it has no author.”
“Memory never forgets. Even though we do.”
“Doers climb the wrong mountains well. Dreamers climb the right mountains but aren’t at home on hills. Doers help dreamers climb more mountains. Dreamers help doers climb the right ones.”

[Tara Donahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything better than Matthew McConaughey reading you poems he wrote? I don’t think so. Poems and Prayers is beautiful, introspective, and lighthearted—exactly the book I needed right now. The audio version is an experience in itself (highly recommend!), but I’ll also be buying a hard copy to keep on my shelf and flip open whenever I need a reminder to feel… alright, alright, alright.

[Book Boyfriend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book of poems and prayers.

“Love is a poem.”

“Forgiveness is good for us. Because when we don't forgive, the anger and spite we hold against our perpetrators can make us physically, mentally, and spiritually ill. Literally. Even when that perpetrator is ourself.”

[༺ Jason ༻ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked his last book along with diddly doo’s you’ll think this book is cool too…>;)~ Fast fun read.

[Kate Klaiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook and found myself pausing to reflect after every chapter, sometimes after every passage. Highly recommend.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can the charm and delivery of one Matthew McConaughey (ho hey ho) turn this not so prayerful or poem lovin’ gal into a true believer? Unfortunately . . . no. I didn’t much care for Greenlights (have no fear, wet dreams are made mention of in this one as well), but I’m always down for a listen while I walk. And I’m a real Thoreau walking through the nature trail a good chunk of the time so these reflections weren’t a totally crazy choice. But having had a “meh” experience both times with this new author, I’ll think I’ll stick to seeking out his films rather than books and look forward to his annual appearance on College Game Day . . .

[Ville Verkkapuro]

One of the best audiobooks I've listened to. Very stupid and silly, but with so much heart and integrity, read by the author and commenting, laughing and just simply feeling it. McConaughey is such a silly little mascot and a shaman at the same time that kind of in-between is very hard to find yet very precious. This book gave me comfort, a lot of laughs and was just a big, warm hug. Especially the parts about trying to be good, praying to god for a chance to be able to do good and to learn and to grow. There's a big juxtaposition in my heart at the moment about turning fifty one day; half of me doesn't believe it, doesn't wanna hurry or just tells me to leave it. Half me wants to grow, be wrinkled all around, with a softness that glows.

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

do I agree with everything this man says? nope. but that's okay. he is SO self aware and has ALWAYS stayed true to himself and it's inspiring.

also the prime way to read his books... hiking 🥾 with the audiobook!!

[Myles Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

It looks like Matthew McConaughey is now an auto buy author because never did I think that I would enjoy a collection of poems and prayers as much as I enjoyed this. And fill disclaimer, I would definitely recommend doing an immersion read with this one!

[Eya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating book that feels like reading an open journal, one that somehow collides with your own thoughts. It offers a fresh perspective on what people are thinking, their thought processes, and the depth with which they understand their emotions. I, for one, did not expect Matthew McConaughey to capture my attention with his book, and I’m surprised at how good it is.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read Greenlights, I had an idea of what I was getting myself into here. And to be clear, I had a great time! Matthew McConaughey just isn't the literary genius or the philosopher he thinks he is. Interestingly, the poem he included at the end, which he wrote at 18, was better than anything else in the book, which seems to be mostly stuff written in the last 10 years or so, with some stuff he claims is from the '90s thrown in here and there (I say "claims" because it all reads more like his current state of mind more than the writing that is more provably from his youth). I'd recommend this book if you're a fan of McConaughey and want to get a peek inside his brain, but not so much if what you're looking for is actual philosophy, spiritual thought, or usable self-help writing.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love his voice also GREENLIGHT!