R&B, pop, and soul songwriter Sam Smith is not a Christian. He became active in 2007 and released three albums, including: In the Lonely Hour (2014) The Thrill of It All (2017) To Die For (2020) As of this writing, he received 29 awards and 74 nominations for his work, including a Golden Globe and Academy Award for “Best Original Song” for his song Writing’s on the Wall, co-written with Jimmy Napes and the featured theme on the 2015 James Bond film Spectre. WARNING: This song contains one instance of cursing. Since it’s not excessive, I’ll review it. Lyrics can be found at Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site! Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review. 1. What message does the song communicate? I admire Smith’s forwardness in admitting his self-reliance failed him, that he’s acted foolishly; However, I get the sense that his sorrow is more worldly than Godly. He’s in a bind and looking for a way out, turning to prayer out of desperation. Smith doesn’t intend to attend church or read Scripture, yet, claims to be a disciple of God. These statements contradict each other. By the time we get to Bridge, his statements become less coherent, though he gets the “one-on-one” part right. That is how prayer is typically done: alone with God. But, which god is it? Smith doesn’t know. Neither do I. Score: 5/10 2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture? Given that Smith is not a Christian, it should come as little surprise that his song is mostly contrary to Scripture. He gets three things right, that he’s a sinner, he’s fearful of successful people, and that prayer can be done in private. [Verse 1] Lines 1-8: Though I appreciate Smith’s honesty in admitting his faults, as we will find out later, this is worldly sorrow and not guilt that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). His self-reliance shines through in line 4, showing his arrogance and the destruction that will befall him (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 16:5, Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 21:24, Proverbs 26:12, and Galatians 5:19-21). On the plus side, Smith recognizes that his method is failing him. [Chorus 1] Lines 1-4: Smith has doubts about religion and has never believed in God; However, he is desperate. He is at his low point, willing to try anything that will improve his situation. He intends to pray to God, taking a small step of faith. The jury’s out if it will stick or not after he’s out of his mess. I could speculate that it will not, but that’s a mere man judging his outward appearance based on his fruits (Matthew 7:20). Ultimately, only God can judge his heart (1 Samuel 16:7). [Verse 2] Lines 1-3: Smith doesn’t talk about his personal experience with organized religion; However, it has become clear to me that he’s had some bad experiences with those who call themselves Christians, coloring his view of Christianity. He refuses to go to church and will not read God’s Word, not realizing that the Bible stands on its own, despite his treatment from self-professed believers. Christianity is true or false based on its own merits. I sympathize with his plight, but he cannot call himself a disciple of God and reject the church and the Bible. The church brings forth the Gospel to the world and in that sense, it has become a pillar of the faith (Timothy 3:15). The Bible is God’s inspired Word and is useful for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness to equip and perfect believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Finally, a disciple is someone who follows someone else. How can Smith follow God if he doesn’t believe God exists? Lines 4 and 5: Further evidence that Smith is desperate. Line 6: For once in this song, Smith gets something right! Yes, he has broken God’s law. We all have (Romans 3:23). But, is that how Smith defines “sin”? Probably not. But, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Line 7-9: Make that twice! Successful people tend to be tainted by their fortune and not care for the less fortunate. He’s probably well aware of what that’s like, not wanting them to end up like him. He finds himself unable to explain. [Chorus 2] Lines 1-4: Essentially a repackaging of Chorus, lines 3 and 4. [Bridge] Line 1: God already has. It’s called the Bible, the very thing Smith refuses to read! Line 2: That is, Smith wants alone time with God. That is how Jesus did it (Matthew 14:23, Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 6:46, Mark 14:32-39, Luke 6:12, and Luke 9:18). Line 3: Worldly freedom or freedom from the grip of sin (Romans 6:1-11, Romans 7:4-6, Galatians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:11, and 1 Peter 2:24)? Certainly the former. Lines 4 and 5: This is incorrect. Judas hung himself at the end (Matthew 27:1-5). Lines 6-10: Repeats lines 1-5. Score: 3/10 3. How would an outsider interpret the song? Unbelievers will interpret this as I have: a plea by a desperate man to an unknown god. The message may not be Christian or Biblical, but it comes loud and clear to unbelievers. Unfortunately, it gives those outside the camp of Christ much misinformation about the purpose of prayer and what it means to follow Jesus. Smith is essentially the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14). Score: 4/10 4. What does this song glorify? God is somewhat glorified that Smith prays, but only if he prays to the correct God. He is not glorified when Smith chooses to reject His people and His church. Score: 4/10 Closing Comments Sam Smith’s Pray is not Christian. It is the honest thoughts of a man who claims to be a disciple of God, not understanding what that means. The evidence is his lack of engagement with the church, ignorance of the Bible, and statements that contradict Scripture. Though I appreciate his honest look at his life, it is filled with worldly sorrow that does not lead to repentance nor does it glorify God. His message will lead unbelievers astray if they follow his path. I cannot recommend this for corporate worship. Final Score: 4/10 Artist Info Track: Pray (listen to the song [clean version]) Artist: Sam Smith (Feat. Logic) Album: The Thrill Of It All Genre: Hip Hop/Rap, R&B Release Year: 2017 Duration: 3:41 Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below. Updates: 03/25/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.